I thought it might be worth putting up a dedicated topic to discuss in light of the events of this weekend. We want the Fourm to be a happy, positive space where people can chat about sex and sex toys openly. However we understand that our members may not always be in the best headspace (especially during the past two years) and may come here to vent to their forum friends, this is fine - everybody loves a good moan (pun intended?), but it is important to remember that the things you post can have an impact on other members. So from now on - I am requesting that you blur/spoiler any posts you think may be triggering and pop a little trigger warning in front of it.
This is a public forum, and (much like Facebook, Reddit, Twitter etc.) people, for the most part, are anonymous, which means we are not able to facilitate a wellness check/contact the police on behalf of any of our forum friends. If you need support, there are lots of organisations with the necessary tools and information who can help. It is ok to not be ok and we encourage you to reach out to those who are best placed to support you:
MIND
Infoline (for information and signposting service) - 0300 123 3393
If your life is at risk, please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. Mental health emergencies are serious. You’re not wasting anyone’s time.
Samaritans
Contact the Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123
They have a helpline and Web chat service. The numbers for various regions can be found here:
I have found them very friendly and are happy just to talk when you need someone. Totally confidential
Out of hours drop in centres for crisis support in various locations across the UK. (Now open for face to face meetings, video calls, texts and email also still available)
And lots of resources and information on their website
I’m my experience to talking all things mental both here and elsewhere, it is the anonymity that allows peeps the feeling of freedom to discuss how they’re feeling without any shame or embarrassment. As difficult and unlikely as it sounds, reaching out for help from organisations will be as shame and embarrassment free as discussing things here: there is nothing you can tell them that they (sadly) haven’t heard a gazillion times before. They want you to get well, just like everyone here. There is no shame in helping yourself. And in the words of Matt Haig, that I’ve repeated to myself many many times: ‘stay’. You are loved.
Wise words to share, totally support this and glad to see some links too.
Might be worth mentioning many government funded organisations for mental health services have a rather long waiting list should you require to see anyone urgently. Best places to consider faster support is your doctors or local charity run organisations.
Fantastic post Brenda and glad that this has been thought off. Hope this does hope some people who may be struggling with mental health to speak up and get some help.
Not gonna lie. I kinda needed to see this post tonight. Funny how things work sometimes. Thank you and your team for being quality individuals and actually giving a fuck enough to create a post like this.
@Lovehoney_Brenna - a quick FYI: this topic appears to have magically unpinned itself overnight. I’m not sure how, but I’m certain you can’t have intended it to.
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Hope the counseling is helpful 