There are hotlines and emergency therapists available for someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. But picking up a phone and talking to someone is an action many people — especially younger people — are becoming less familiar with in our everyday lives. Would someone in such a heightened emotional state really think to do so?
Recently, the BBC explored an innovative way of addressing this problem, as well as the emotional consequences for the volunteers involved. Writer Felicity Morse interviewed the moderator of Reddit's Suicide Watch, which follows a simple formula: On the subreddit, posters write about their situation — if they're feeling suicidal, what has pushed them to this state, etc. — and other Redditors reply to them. That's it.
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