Removal of a recent post

[MAS_Nurse]

I'm posting this because we regretfully had to remove a recent post that implied the need for professional and medical help. Although an incredible level of support and advice exists in this community it is anonymous, online and not professional in nature. In a critical situation anonymous, online advice carries the risk of misjudgement and harm, however well intentioned. We have to stick to our rule of taking down this type of post for safety's sake.

We have contacted the member with advice and contact details for services that can provide the appropriate level of advice to get through their situation. From the bottom of our heart we wish them well from the whole community and hope they can get through this situation as quickly as possible.

[coolpolitealex]

Hmmm'

[tofler]

Oh dear. This sounds like a bad idea to me. Mental health services in the UK are woefully inadequate, under-funded, difficult to access and provide a very limited level of support. Many people continue to struggle despite already being in contact with local mh services. I didn't see the post that's been removed but you seem to be saying that if someone's in a really bad place and needs professional help, they shouldn't be posting on here? By removing posts when somebody is in a really bad place, surely that will only increase the person's sense of isolation and feelings of hopelessness and rejection. I think that peer support is important during times of crisis, as is professional help. Wouldn't it be better to edit a person's post (if needed) during times of crisis, rather than delete it completely?