Being able to interact with – even as much as see – others who are struggling in similar ways works as a kind of coping mechanism... emotional validation and empathy as opposed to the "just get over it" mindset of society with regard to mental health problems.
Edit: maybe I'll have to remove this edit...
story time: I was at a really dark place in my life. I hadn't discovered SS yet, but I was in such a mental state that I kept ruminating and thinking about suicide. Which led me to read articles, and watch YouTube videos about the subject to somewhat appease my ideation. I read that specific article and that is how I found out about SS. I am still not 'cured', but being able to read the stories and struggles of others helped me. It didn't fix my mental state, but the emotional validation I got from the stories and struggles of others in similar positions to me was a small emotional comfort.
I remember reading through all of the instructions on how to CTB, finding out about SN, finding out about N, and surprise, surprise, I didn't CTB in a manic panic. I still have difficulty getting on with my life, but if I am completely honest with myself, I am not capable of CTB. I go through ideation, and even try to find sources, but I know I – probably – won't. I feel hopeless and despondent, but after being presented with the information, essentially being given a choice, the small part of me wanting to improve things and not end them – kind of – woke up.
so... thank you NYT I guess?