Without a confession to it, how does one know a 'suicidal' person really isn't?

I agbree 100% suicide is a HUGE trigger for me having lost people I love 2 suicide & dealin with the thoughts daily...when I hear people talk about suicide i try my best to help so it really angers me when people use it for attention

what other threat could I use to receive attention?

I have "suicidal" thoughts as well every once in a while but I do not post them because they are so upsetting to a lot of people. i do find someone to talk but its my personal preference not to reach out in order to protect people who are already down and I dont want it catching like a wildfire. I would hope that the people in need posting truely are reaching out for help and not just seeking attention.

That's the toughest part, WV. You don't always know which is why I consider it emotional manipulation, but sometimes it is clear when a pattern evolves. I used to have a 'friend' that would use suicide as a means to excuse his bad behavior.

its reall hard to determine if they r lookin for attention or if they r really suicidal..most really r suicidal and MUST be suicidal

Yeah I choose to assume everyone on here is well meaning and really needs help. I try to help out in the crisis center whenever I am in the right frame of mind to help.

But unfortunately there are those who do fake it. I know of a member that has been banned for using suicide to scam people for money. I think it's a shame because it hurts the majority that just need a voice of encouragement.

wow really? scamming money for suicide?
like, how would that conversation go?
hey, if you don't send me some money I will commit suicide?
just tryin to figure that one out..sorry

By claiming to have a financial situation that made them suicidal.

I think the point is you dont have to use any kind of threat or manipulation to get attention. There have been people who do it for attention and those who are in real need so I the objective here is to tell people to ask for what they need whether it be help or attention. It is that simple.

Omg blue that horrific

It's a bit like the person who gets to work in the morning and says; "I have this huge spot on my chin; I'm SOOOOO depressed!" People do not understand the power of their words, and it means that when people really DO need help there is skepticism. However, I think that when members here say it, they mean it, bearing in mind the purpose of the board. There will always be people who abuse our good nature, and that's sad, but to turn away from someone who needs help because of the smallest minority? No, I couldn't do it.

Talk of suicide will trigger me all the time, but we have to deal with our triggers somehow or steer clear of the crisis board and try to "predict" what posts on the general discussion board are about it from their titles. I think that if we hint for a moment that those in deep crisis are "using" the threat of suicide for attention here it's a dangerous assumption to make. Kind words cost us nothing, and if we choose to ignore the thread that's fine too.

Suyb, I think you might have taken this post the wrong way? Not criticising, just trying to make you feel a little bit better about it. My son's girlfriend threatened suicide if he split up with her, which affected him deeply and kept him in a bad relationship for weeks. When he finally ended it she sent him numerous messages threatening to kill herself, and he felt terrible, but a week later she has a new beau! I think that's what Blue was saying here. ((Massive Hugs))

What wv said. If I am suspicious, i just don't respond. Because, I understand that I could always be wrong, and that would kill me.

Yes, me too Juice, I think so too now that I read back over it.... Im not good at answering suicidal posts anyway or avoid them most times also cause I have a HORRIBLE sense of humor...eek!

A sense of humour is a must if you are to survive in this life ;)