Venting Suicide forums on the news today

[theSuiCiDalCupCaKe]

I was watching ITV news earlier (you'll know if you're British or know about ITV aha) and a report came on about suicide forums that are being blamed for people committing suicide.
It's true that sites like this provide the proper info needed to CTB which is what they're calling assisted suicide...but it's not like anyone's forcing suicide on others here. People who come on this site are here because they want to end their suffering, sooner or later.
Anyway, they're going to try getting these kinds of forums banned. Personally I hate this, banning would only prolong our suffering until we eventually find a way to CTB. I guess pro lifers aren't fans of rising suicide statistics.
What do you guys think?

 

[Spitfire]

I was watching ITV news earlier (you'll know if you're British or know about ITV aha) and a report came on about suicide forums that are being blamed for people committing suicide.
It's true that sites like this provide the proper info needed to CTB which is what they're calling assisted suicide...but it's not like anyone's forcing suicide on others here. People who come on this site are here because they want to end their suffering, sooner or later.
Anyway, they're going to try getting these kinds of forums banned. Personally I hate this, banning would only prolong our suffering until we eventually find a way to CTB. I guess pro lifers aren't fans of rising suicide statistics.
What do you guys think?

I don't see it or forums like it being banned. The information is literally everywhere a click or two away nowadays. On the contrary, I do believe these things those other people are doing right now is serving our purpose and position on the subject to the opposing side of the spectrum from that of which they desire...

Hahahaa

 

[Bigpink]

Ban ITV

 

[Ghost2211]

I feel like putting this site in the public eye will get us more friends than protesters.

 

[MrBlue]

I hope this site isn't taken down or otherwise restricted in the UK. I can find the information elsewhere, and if desperate can just use common sense on method, but there isn't any other place where I can as openly discuss my suicidal thoughts or mental health without being judged harshly as here.

 

[My_name_is_Luka]

Those people are like those medics that send you to a psychologist when you are troubled with a chronic incurable pain. They confuse compassion with their personal peace of mind.
Personally.. I feel scared that this site might get closed. This community makes me feel safe, because I know that if my health condition will get worst, I can always look for advice here and try to stop my suffering. I clearly don't want to experience unbearable pain every day, like it has already happened too often this year.

 

[Thanatonaut]

The world is in such a shit state right now, that could be considered free advertising.

 

[nothungryanymore]

Where are all the pro-lifers who are actively supporting the lives of those suffering? Trying to get a website shut down doesn't help anyone but themselves.

 

[Shahanshah]

Just they wanted to show new news on their channel and made money. Let them do it.

 

[Bigpink]

Hope it doesn't happen that access to SS is denied. It's about the only place I can connect with others who understand

 

[puppy9]

In the far far far future,,, not providing the right to die would be a violation of human rights.

 

[Raminiki]

More persecution and policing of our rights to bodily autonomy to drive us into situations where we feel powerles, isolated, not in control, and pushed closer to dangerous and desperate acts.

The fact it's on a major news channel is telling, though. I think there's probably been a spike in suicides this year, understandably. But as usual, they blame the wrong things for it and fail to do anything to change perceptions or target resources and help appropriately.

 

[angelfeather]

I'll be devastated if they ban this site. It's helped me more than the local mental health services in my area. I don't access the method pages, but find it helpful to know others feel the same way as me and I can have a space to write my thoughts and feelings without being judged. The media only ever look at the negative and not the positive. Do they not even realise there is a "recovery" section on here, where people can get advice or support if they want to get better ...?!?

 

[Dee38]

Suicide is so complex. There are many factors involved. A forum cannot be held accountable for someone's suicide; it's just a scapegoat. The real problem, especially in the UK, is lack of mental health services. The Tories cut everything to the bare bones.

 

[Bigpink]

Suicide is so complex. There are many factors involved. A forum cannot be held accountable for someone's suicide; it's just a scapegoat. The real problem, especially in the UK, is lack of mental health services. The Tories cut everything to the bare bones.

Whoa! That is just way too much common sense. Of course it's complex. But doesn't society just look for easy answers rather than asking difficult questions?

 

[HopelessBorderline]

I saw the news too. The same people who have been hassling our members on twitter and set up a Facebook page about us. They lost a loved one who used this site. I feel sorry for them, I can't imagine the pain they have endured. But like everyone is saying, if he didn't lose his life to SN, he'd have lost it another way. We've all been let down by the NHS and that's probably why most of us ended up here. I've said it once and I'll say it again, if they put their energy into fixing the mental health system instead of trying to shut these sites we would all be better off. If this site closes another one will open and it only takes a quick Google search to find methods on ways to die anyway. This family is preaching how this website encourages people to die. I haven't been here for long but I have NEVER seen anybody encouraging anybody to kill themselves. But they think that because we aren't saying "no don't do it" that we are evil bastards.
I didn't even know what SN was until I saw them advertising it. I may not be able to get hold of it because of them, but I'll find another way.. unfortunately it will be a less pleasant way. Idiots.

 

[HenryHobkins]

Im new to the drama around this, is there more media attention around this site than recently or is it always been about the same?

 

[HopelessBorderline]

I feel like putting this site in the public eye will get us more friends than protesters.

I found this site because of them, had no idea what suicide forums were and that they even existed.
If anything, this site has helped me.
Yes a lot of members here have taken their own life. But it wasn't the websites fault.
Asking for advice on how to tie a knot..that information is found on Google. Best close Google down. Fucking evil Google.

 

[Ghost2211]

I found this site because of them, had no idea what suicide forums were and that they even existed.
If anything, this site has helped me.
Yes a lot of members here have taken their own life. But it wasn't the websites fault.
Asking for advice on how to tie a knot..that information is found on Google. Best close Google down. Fucking evil Google.

Glad to have you with us. Despite what the articles and fixthe26 want to believe we are actually a very caring supportive community, and being here for one another has helped many of us.

 

[YukiFox]

In my opinion, at websites like this applies the same rule with guns. Some people used it for kill other or themselves, but a single gun doesn't kill if there's no shooter first. Here we talk about suicide, suicide methods and other stuff, but not encourage directly to do so. In any case, it's an individual decision. We aren't a death cult, only a forum to rant, to research. Period.

 

[theSuiCiDalCupCaKe]

Im new to the drama around this, is there more media attention around this site than recently or is it always been about the same?

There's been reports before about prevention of suicide, but I'd personally never seen one about supportive forums like this one before. I had no clue about this site before I searched for suicide forums on Google and this popped up.

 

[Dead beat dad]

I was watching ITV news earlier (you'll know if you're British or know about ITV aha) and a report came on about suicide forums that are being blamed for people committing suicide.
It's true that sites like this provide the proper info needed to CTB which is what they're calling assisted suicide...but it's not like anyone's forcing suicide on others here. People who come on this site are here because they want to end their suffering, sooner or later.
Anyway, they're going to try getting these kinds of forums banned. Personally I hate this, banning would only prolong our suffering until we eventually find a way to CTB. I guess pro lifers aren't fans of rising suicide statistics.
What do you guys think?

Did they also pick up on the link between suicide and people wearing pants?

 

[JustABunchOfAtoms]

Was the news at 6 or the news at 10? I want to watch it

 

[theSuiCiDalCupCaKe]

Was the news at 6 or the news at 10? I want to watch it

I'm fairly sure it was on at 10, but can't be certain. Sorry

 

[JustABunchOfAtoms]

Was it local news?
It wasn't on any of them

 

[bluesky1972-2019]

Suicide has been around for a lot longer than the internet. So trying to ban websites or make them illegal won't change anything.
Class A drugs are illegal and that has stopped them being sold and used hasn't it???? NOT!!
This is a Pro-Choice website and offers help and support to people without them being judged. I believe it has helped me since I joined and made living a little easier as I can vent on here.
Everyone has the absolute right to do what they want with their own lives. Nobody can take that away!

 

[mahakaliSS_MahaDurga]

I hope this site isn't taken down or otherwise restricted in the UK. I can find the information elsewhere, and if desperate can just use common sense on method, but there isn't any other place where I can as openly discuss my suicidal thoughts or mental health without being judged harshly as here.

You can always get a VPN.

 

[Idledays]

Late to the debate, but wow, i was quite surprised to see some of the comments on the 'stop sanctioned suicide' FB page.

Unless you've been through it, i can't even begin to comprehend the pain of losing a loved one to suicide, especially a son or daughter. My heart goes out to the family and its important we keep that at the forefront of our mind when considering how we react to their campaign.

That said, I was really saddened to see some of the words used to refer to some of the members. (they call someone who has responded to a post and is explaining how they perceive SS to be a safe space and helpful to some people as a "freak", for instance). It made my heart sink thinking that someone who is likely to be suicidal (by nature of presumably using the site) is called that.

I absolutely have concerns (perhaps similar to the family) about if enough is done to help people in their final moments to make sure someone has actually explored all options before ending their life, and i would welcome a debate on that.

I also agree that there are inherent dangers to a site like this... Some members who haven't shown sympathy, and from reading posts too many have been subject to scams. So an open debate how best to ensure a site like this remains an 'open space' whilst also protecting the most vulnerable from harm is absolutely needed.

But falling completely on one side of the argument or the other seems unhelpful (i.e Saying it must be banned entirely vs a refusal to listen to legitimate concerns about the site).

I completely and utterly accept the concerns that the family has, but the name calling, and venomous hatred of a site being used by the most vulnerable doesn't seem helpful either.

Anyway, I know the family regularly check this and I want them to know that the vast majority of people using this site are kind, good, people. They are vulnerable, and finding comfort wherever they can. We're not 'freaks' for using this site.

Yes, there are nasty people looking to take advantage of vulnerable people, and I think on both sides of the debate we can agree more needs to be done to prevent this.

I'm genuinely heartbroken for the families loss and i wish I could do something to undo the pain that they as a family, and their son, had to endure. I really hope the debate can remain kind.

Basically i'm concerned both sides are being upset, when both sides are hurting (a grieving family who has lost their son, and a community of people who are struggling to see the point in living). We need a bit of understanding on both sides.

 

[FireFox]

Hope it doesn't happen that access to SS is denied. It's about the only place I can connect with others who understand

Bigpink
Exactly

People on this forum are so understanding, compassionate and non judgemental. Everyone here listens to you.
I ended up here because the nobody in the outside wanted to listen to me. When i told people i was depressed and felt like my life was a failure they didnt want to listen .

 

[Blurred_Reality]

Is there a YouTube link for this or a story on ITV's website?