Every show with a suicide now has a disclaimer with a suicide hotline at the beginning. Is there any evidence that these warnings make a positive difference?

  • givesomefucks@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    130
    arrow-down
    6
    ·
    2 months ago

    Suicides can be really easy to prevent.

    Like, the hotline itself is incredibly effective, and reminding people it exists would naturally help.

    People aren’t getting the number from the intro, but it reminds them it exists.

    • FundMECFSResearch@lemmy.blahaj.zone
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      21
      ·
      2 months ago

      Even though crisis hotlines are common, they have not been well studied for efficacy.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_hotline#:~:text=6 References-,Effectiveness,several weeks after their call.

      Somewhat related, but I think suicide hotlines can be a big problem if they are understaffed. I feel like in my country they are just there to check a box. I’ve had two suicidal crises, both times I called the hotline, waited 20+ minutes and gave up. It made me feel even worse and more lost.

      • wreckedcarzz@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        4
        ·
        2 months ago

        :( I’ve been in a similar situation, but I’ve never called; I have friends that I can talk to openly about this stuff, and not freak them out or have them be judgemental. I don’t know you, but I hope you are doing better, and can persevere. Life can be awful, brutal. Being alone in a time of need is… I can’t even think of a word with enough emphasis.

        If you want, you can send me a message. Might not be helpful, but maybe it will. Just say hi, if you want. You aren’t alone. :)