^ Yup.
I actually have two seperate MSN accounts for that exact reason. Sometimes I can be of use, other times I can't - and people don't always understand that.
I was talking about this to a friend in the real world last night. About a year and a half ago I had been texting her and she was really worried about me - I couldn't make sense of what my mind was doing and whilst I did NOT make a suicide threat, she was concerned whether I was okay or not. Her family rang my dad and spoke to him. At the time I was really upset, I didn't think I'd ever be able to speak to anyone ever again - but in reality, what she did just showed how much she cared.
Sometimes people will be told things, or will discuss things that have to be passed on. People cannot have others lives in their hands. They can try to support and be there, but there's actually very little they can do over the internet.
I have, and always stick to the point, said that I would rather someone spoke to me, than went and harmed themselves - and I'll always think that. That's why I continue to speak to people, worry about them and do everything within my power to help them - but I'm not a professional, I don't have all the answers and sometimes my help isn't enough; and that worries me.
I think having a list of links and support that you could refer people too might be a good idea if you need that. For example, you could refer them to the sams in the UK and such. These are people who are trained and whilst we don't 'know' them and they aren't our friends, they can be trusted and they are there to help you.
The thing I hate most, if someone says they want to OD, or have OD'ed, or are going to OD - or whatever, is that I can't physically do anything to stop them. That hurts. Alot.
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