#LoveHeals IRC Mission

"I will be kind and patient to all I encounter. I will heal, not hurt. I will cause no harm to others."



* Mission:

My hope is to have a channel where people can come, talk about any problems they may be having with life, and have a place they can vent their frustrations, and receive support from others in the community. If anyone knows of anyone who is currently going through a rough patch, or they suspect may have self-harming ideations, they can be directed here, and at least sent to the proper places for help. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here.



* Disclaimer:

While I am not a trained mental health professional, I am a nurse, licensed through the State of New York. I have helped many people pull through their difficult time, and think I can do more. The members of this channel are not expected to hold any mental health assistance certifications, and are present to assist. They are not here to diagnose or treat.



* About this:

It is a strange time to try to help someone who really needs it. In the past, if someone you knew seems overly depressed, or suicidal, you could see the warning signs, and do something about it. Now, with the advent of the internet, you never know what someone is going through on the other side of the computer screen. You don't know if the off-handed sad sounding tweet could be the precursor to someones tipping point. You don't know the situation of that person. You don't know if they've been abused, mistreated, or bullied. You don't know what stress they could be under at work, or the fight they may have had with their parents or significant other. You don't know if they're closeted LGBTQIA+ and don't have the support system to be their true selves. You don't know. You may never know. You may not even notice if that person commits suicide for days or weeks after it's happened. This is the internet, we are all anonymous. You might become a little worried when you haven't seen them post anything for a while and think something is wrong. You don't have a phone number to call if you want someone to send a welfare checkup. But you can help. You can most certainly help your friend, or even someone who you don't even know, before it becomes a crisis situation.

You do not need to be feeling depressed or suicidal to join this channel. If you had a bad day at work and need to vent, you're fighting with someone close to you, or feel overwhelmed and need somewhere to hang out until you're feeling better, come here.
The people who are entrusted with OP and Voice are here to help make sure everyone stays peaceful, and tempers don't flare. They are also entrusted with ensuring the members of the channel are able to find the proper help they need. Should they feel inclined, they can request to step down from their rank, and they will not be judged for taking a break.



* Rules:

This is a no judgement zone. Insensitive comments or jokes will result in being kicked from the channel.
Be kind to everyone who joins. If someone asks to not be bothered, please respect their wish to stay silently.



* Resources:

International Suicide Hotlines:
	http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
	http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/international.aspx
United States National Hotline:
	1-800-273-TALK (8255)
	http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Helping those with Mental Health Problems/Suicidal Thoughts:
	http://www.helpguide.org/
	https://www.save.org/
Helplines and Information:
	http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/helplines.htm
	http://themighty.com/2015/07/27-ways-to-be-an-ally-for-someone-who-has-a-mental-illness/


Accepting suggestions for additional resources. Please e-mail ashzification@gmail.com, use the subject "#LoveHeals Suggestion". I'll do my best to check that e-mail regularly.

#LoveHeals on esper.net