Suicide, Self-Harm & Threatening Behaviour
Suicidal feelings are a common side effect of benzo use and withdrawal. We understand and deeply empathize with this. But in order to protect the greater majority of our membership, we need to ask that you please refrain from posting actual threats of harm to yourself. We also ask that you not contact other members via the private message (PM) system with these intentions. All members who happen across such posts or PM's are urged to report these incidents by using the "report to moderator" function.
This community is about helping people withdraw from benzodiazapines. It is beyond the scope of care of BenzoBuddies to manage members who are directly suicidal. Please understand that many of our other members may be in a very fragile state, and can become extremely disturbed by reading about imminent threats to self or others. We urge you to alert your doctor or emergency services and inform them of your feelings and/or intentions.
Here are some contact details in the event of an emergency situation:
If you reside in the USA Tel. 911
If you reside in the UK Tel. 999
There are also 24 hour Counselling Services available. Look for listings in your Local Telephone Directory.
For those in the USA look under Suicide Prevention Service, National Tel. No. 1-800-784-2433
For online services: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
For those residing in the UK contact The Samaritans, National Tel. No. 0845 790 9090; or look in your Telephone Directory under "Samaritans" for your Local Branch.
For online Services enter http://www.samaritans.org.uk/
For those residing outside of the UK and the USA, look for listings in your own Countries.
If possible alert a Family member or Friend to be with you.
If you have information about similar services in your country, please contact us - we'd be more than happy to add the details to our list.
Some more helpful links:
http://www.mind.org.uk: How to cope with suicidal feelings.
http://www.mind.org.uk: How to help someone who is suicidal.