I just happened upon a question regarding a teenager that wants to hurt herself, has anyone else noticed this?

Question

- it seems to be a trend on here in the medical section - does anyone know - Do you think these are hoaxes or are teenagers actually reaching out for strangers on here to help guide them? This makes me sad to think its come to this and does anyone have suggestions of what can/should be done for this? Or am I just too sentimental and gullible ? Thoughts?

I just want to add- that was really fast and I appreciate everyones responses so far - wish I could give you all "best answer points" I did look up some sites and tried to offer info to a girl earlier- thats what led me to this - glad to know there are others that want to help as well if we can

Answer 1

sometimes it is easier to talk to a stranger cause, well they are a stranger. talking to people you know about certain things can be awkward, maybe it's because you feel stupid or think they won't understand, they'll somehow reject you or will tell someone else, a stranger is kind of like what catholics do in confession, like in the movies and on TV when people pour their hearts out to barmen. it is sad but also good in a way, if it wasn't for the anonymity of the Internet maybe some of these people would'nt feel they where able to talk to anyone. and if it helps one person it's a good thing

Answer 2

I have come across a number of that type of question, and not just from teens. Sometimes I report it to Yahoo through the "report abuse" option, because that's the only means we have of calling attention to it. Yahoo may have the user's contact info. You can select the "other" option after clicking on "report abuse". Then add details. The other thing I always do whenever I feel there's a chance the person is serious, is to paste this just in case:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
1-800-273-8255
http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html

Answer 3

I agree with the above post. Some of these may be hoaxes, but I'm guessing the majority of them are really having these thoughts. Who are they going to turn to? I know when I was a teenager, I have very few people to turn to. If I had turned to one of my parents, I doubt I would have gotten a response that would have helped. Hopefully, people don't pass them by. Maybe there's a few of us out here that will actually nudge them another direction.

Answer 4

I've seen that a lot on here and it makes me sad, too. I also think it's a mixed bag... some of them might be hoaxes but some might not be so I guess it's best not to assume it isn't for real and put thought and consideration into answering. I think one of the best things that could be done is something that neither you or I can control with these people who are strange to us but definitely can be done with our own children and that's called PARENTING! It's common for teens to think or act like they don't want to talk to their parents, but I think it's intrinsic that they really DO want to talk... they might want to do it on their own terms in their own way, but they really just want to know that someone cares about what they're feeling... if they can't get it at home they spill their hearts out to people who largely stay anonymous and "safe."

Incidentally I don't think it's just teens who post those types of questions... lots of adults are hurting, too. I usually try to not be flippant but to actually think about what I "say" to them... I hope it helps at least some.

Answer 5

I have seen this too. I regard each one as a lagit cry for attention. I think most of the kids that post messages like that are just looking for attention, for someone to give them a kind word, or tell them that someone cares. I think the best thing to do is to post a message that is true to your heart. Be honest and tell them that there are those of us out here that do care, and wouldn't want to see them hurt themselves over what, (as we know, haveing gone through the teenage years) really isn't that big of a deal.
give them some encourageing words, and hopefully they will feel like they got what they were looking for.

Answer 6

it is scary...and hard to tell if it's fake or not. if it looks/sounds serious and/or true I usually try to 'help' with an answer. even though some are joking on here, you never know.

I don't hink there's much that can be done about it. to report might help, because some administrators might be able to help beyond the internet (no idea how yahoo works though!). other than that, I hope there will be a majority of decent, nice people here that enjoy exchanging knowledge and thoughts =)

Answer 7

when i answer a question like this i always put a number on there . but the sad thing many dont use them that is why we all need to take them to heart when they type this to us they are reaching out here for help they dont want a hot line to talk with medical people they know if they contact the hotline the call can be traced back to them . my opion . ?

Answer 8

I can tell you how i felt when i was going through this. When things get rough, normal children know that it will get better as quick as it got bad, but kids that are arround bad people as their elders, they tend to want to give up. Most of it is for attention but give it to them anyways. The ones that really want to commit suicide, just needs someone to help them make their life worth something. You can do this by finding a friend for them to talk to, or spending time with them and make them feel important. You can also take them to find a job and just support them through it that when when something bad happens, they have something worth living through and a life to look forward to.

Answer 9

I haven't noticed many myself, but I try to stay away from the serious questions as I too think I'm too gullible and sentimental. If there is one that is deeply concerning you, try sending them a message by clicking on their name and asking them if they need an adult to talk to and maybe you can get through to them that way.

Answer 10

It is a real problem. Kids are cutting themselves to relieve pent-up anger and depression. Unfortunately, it spreads as kids tell each other about it. A teen who is doing this needs therapy.
It is a sad fact that these kids are often neglected by working parents and are confused by a world that is making them grow up too fast. Too much porn, too much pressure, and too much time on their hands add up to troubled kids.