Due to the stigma associated with suicide and mental health issues associated with suicide, such as depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety disorders, many people are reluctant to get help in a way that would reveal their identity. The anonymity of the internet is the perfect way for these people to openly discuss their problems without fear of being judged. Therefore, the internet is a valuable tool in preventing suicide in this group. Counselors can help increase awareness and help-seeking behaviors, such as going to a therapist, while decreasing stigmatization and destructive behaviors, such as suicide or self-harm. (Durkee, Hadlaczky, Westerlund, Carli, 2011) Many organizations are taking advantage of this to use the internet as one of the many weapons in their suicide-prevention arsenal.
The first suicide prevention hotline, dubbed the Samaritans, was created in 1953 by a vicar named Chad Varah in hopes to prevent suicides in the UK. (“Samaritans History”, 2011)
Now, the Samaritans, along with many other hotlines and groups around the world, use the internet as a resource to get in touch with at-risk suicidal youth. In addition to phones, many groups utilize chat rooms and e-mail to speak to their clients. While telephones do afford some anonymity, the internet is almost entirely anonymous. Some adolescents still living with their parents may find this useful as parents are more likely to monitor phone than internet usage. The internet also gives the client more control over the entire counseling process, which makes users feel safer. (Lester, 2009) In addition, when using an e-mail system, such as the Samaritans use, counselors are able to take more time in their replies and consult peers and supervisors before sending a reply.
