Rant I might regret this...

I posted this comment into the "What's ruining your life right now?" thread while slightly more than tipsy after talking to one of my flat mates about her recent breakup. After a sit down and a think about it I decided not to let the comment rapidly vanish into the vastness of the thread.

Don't ask me why. . . maybe I just care.

So, if you need someone to talk to about life, the universe or anything, drop me a PM and I'll do my best.

 

What's the ultimate question?

 

Will it blend?

 

Not sure, but the answers 42.

 

Yes, but can it run Crysis?



Seriously, thanks for the offer. Some people don't want to put their problems out onto the forum for the public to see.

 

No worries. I am going though a rough patch atm (mostly caused by my lack of motivation to find a job, being too lazy do my uni work and a bad beating with the stupid stick) but being a unoffical agony-uncle helps me feel more motivated for a while.

I think it must be some bizzare kind of inverse schadenfreude

 

Somebody will probably come along and tell you that making offers like that isn't a good idea and so on.

However, you actually do something to make the world a bit better, and than I really have respect for.



Have some rep.


Edit:

Makes sense. The feeling of being useful is pretty nice.

 

Helping others with their problems can put yours into perspective and/or find solutions.

Generous offer mate.

 

True that

I would'nt be suprised somebody wants to vent someday and if they know theres someone there who genuinely wants to listen then all the better

+Rep for you mate

 

Cleanup in aisle 3?

 

Sign up for volunteer work. It's safer and more productive.

And please don't come to me if this blows up in your face. There's a reason why I don't do the agony uncle thing on Bit-Tech. And I'm a clinical psychologist --I do it for a living.

 

Rep for you matey, that's just a kind offer. I totally understand Nexxo's perspective, because he gets enough during the day. But like others have said, other people's issues can help you relate and understand your own. Speaking from my own experience, there are people out there who are truly isolated and feel very desperate and ignored. Giving someone an opportunity to discuss their problems can be a huge deal to them.

 

I fully understand the (for want of a better word) risk that I am undertaking. If it does blow up in my face there will be no finger pointing or loud and better accusations.

 

Really the worst that can happen is you end up blocking someone. Provided your not a tard and get suckered in by someone begging for money or wanting to meet up.

 

Nice gesture i must say. Yes you might be opening yourself up for a fall but if you don't offer then you 'll never know if you could have helped someone in need.

Well done that man.

 

I agree, this is a great chance for people, just don't let sympathy take over entirely.

 

You just asked it.

 

What's the worst that can happen? The other discloses suicidal intent. They disclose the intent to harm others. They disclose that they already have harmed someone. They disclose ongoing child abuse. They disclose the abuse or imminent threat of harm to a vulnerable adult.

Pop quiz: what are you going to do?

Exactly. You don't know who this person is, so you cannot refer to their GP, the police or to social services. You cannot get legal or personal advice because you don't have professional backup. This is not like having a good chat with a mate you know.

 

Let's say they do disclose some of those things. I'd say it's highly likely that someone will discuss suicidal or self-harm. All you can do is discuss the matter in a calm and reasonable fashion. You do not have a duty of care and can terminate the conversation at any point should you feel uncomfortable. Ultimately you are an outside observer and are in no position to interfere - it's for exactly that reason that someone may choose to open up in a fashion that they wouldn't normally do.

 

But how is it going to make you feel if they disclose that kind of intent to you, and you aren't able to contact the correct authorities, and then you find out they went a killed someone or themselves? Or maybe you are able to contact the police and they do a big investigation only to find out it was a joke.

Just be careful. I know I love talking to people and trying to help them as well and I am extremely good at it. Just make sure you know your limits before it's too late.