Online chats and message boards have become a convenient and helpful way for people experiencing similar life situations to share their experiences. But even in these forums, which are meant to be supportive, there are necessary steps to take to ensure your safety online.
The following tips are in no way meant to be all-inclusive. You may encounter situations that are not covered here. When in doubt, a healthy dose of caution (and common sense) is warranted when chatting online. (The terms "chat" and "message boards may be used interchangably below.)
- If you are suicidal or experiencing a crisis, call your Emergency Services ("911" in most areas), contact your local suicide or crisis hotline (look in the telephone directory under "Suicide" or "Crisis Hotline"), contact your doctor or therapist, and/or go to the nearest Emergency Room for help. If you are suicidal or in crisis, you need IMMEDIATE assistance from one of these resources IN YOUR COMMUNITY, NOT from an online chat or message board. These types of forums are NOT monitored on a regular basis by participants who may be many miles and time zones away from you. Message boards/chats are NOT substitutes for proper crisis intervention and treatment. You are responsible for your own life. Instead of posting a message, take the time to contact the appropriate people or agencies who can actually help you. An online listing of suicide hotlines is located here.
- Never give out your home address, telephone number, or other identifying information to other chat participants.
- Set up an email account that you can use specifically for corresponding with people that you encounter in chat. Rather than using an email account associated with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), set up one with a more anonymous email service such as Hotmail, Yahoo, MSN, etc.
- Only share what you feel comfortable sharing. There's no rule that says you have to answer every question that people may ask of you.
- Remember that not everyone in a support group is supportive or looking out for your best interest.
- People on chat may not always be honest. The anonymous nature of online chat is attractive to people seeking support for sensitive issues. Unfortunately this anonymity encourages some people to hide behind a screenname or nickname to say things which may not be true or correct.
- Never give out your chat password to anyone who asks. In most cases, even if a person states they are the system administrator or chat room moderator, there is really no reason that they need to ask for your password.
- Consider that the information you provide in chat is generally NOT confidential. Others have the ability to copy the information you provide in both open and private chats. Once information is stored on someone else's computer hard-drive, there may be little you can do to control how the information is used.
- Most chats or message boards do not have Healthcare Professionals to answer your questions. Online chats and support groups should NOT be used as a substitute for evaluation by a professional healthcare provider. Message boards and chats should only be used as a supplement to your experience.
- All the information you find on a chat or message board may not be accurate. In these forums, people talk mostly about their personal experiences with their condition, treatments, etc. Just because a treatment worked for one person, doesn't mean it will work for you.
- Online chats and message boards may contain discussion or language which some people find disturbing. For some people, certain topics may "trigger" a strong emotional response. If the potential to view disturbing content bothers you, it may be best to refrain from reading or participating in these types of forums until your condition is more stable.
- Be sure to read the Disclaimers, Terms of Service and/or Privacy Policies of the services you use.
- Remember that, ultimately, your safety in chat is up to you.
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DISCLAIMER: Any information you find here or on websites to which we link should not be used until verified with your Professional Health Care Provider and SupportPath.com makes no claim about the accuracy or quality of such information. Consult your Professional Health Care Provider with any specific medical questions or problems you may have. All users of this website must read and agree to our full disclaimer and other policies located 