Staying safe online as a content creator when posting about suicide or self-harm

Make sure you understand the community guidelines around self-harm and suicide on the platform where you’re posting.

It’s helpful to go through what counts as inappropriate behaviour and how to report it, as well as the support and sign-posting information. We have included links with the guidelines for Meta, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitch and X.

Think about whether you want to post publicly or to smaller groups, and whether you want to limit comments and interactions with your post.

When creating live content, please consider the best settings to safeguard you and your audience. Keep in mind that comments can sometimes be insensitive or triggering, so it's important to prepare and moderate accordingly.

Consider including a note at the start of your post explaining that it relates to self-harm and suicide, so people can decide whether they want to look at it.

Some people might be upset by seeing something about this online, even if it’s supportive or helpful. You could write or include an initial image with, for example, 'Content warning – this post discusses suicidal feelings.'

Real-life stories about overcoming a crisis can remind people that suicide can be prevented and encourage them to seek help.

It’s worth bringing to people’s attention the different types of support services available and the different forms of accessing these (eg, phone, SMS, email etc.).

For self-harm and suicide support, you can signpost to Samaritans, Harmless, Young Minds or Papyrus. There are also online support communities run by charities such as The Mix (under 25s), Togetherall (over 16s), SANE, Side by Side, Bipolar UK, Beat Support Groups (for eating disorders) and the Mental Health Forum.

Other sources of support are available here and Befrienders Worldwide is accessible for an international audience looking for local support.

Please consider letting these services know beforehand if you have a large audience and are signposting to them. It’s important to encourage people to also seek help offline if they’re going through a difficult time.

Most services rely on donations and run campaigns throughout the year. Please consider supporting one of these as a content creator if you’re interested.

It’s important that this feels safe and comfortable for you. Think about how much you want to share, how it might make you feel and whether you are ready to tell your story.

You can acknowledge that suicidal thoughts are more common than people realise, that suicide is preventable and that there is support available. Focus on sharing how you’re feeling rather than describing the behaviour itself, as detailed or graphic descriptions of harm, including methods and locations linked to it, can be copied by other people.

As a content creator, people might identify with you, so it’s worth sharing a moment where you sought help and came through a difficult experience, if one comes to mind, as this can be protective to others. You can also share things that you have found helpful as long as they’re considered safe – making time for yourself or talking with people you trust are a couple of the examples available on this page.

Consider who might read your post, how they may react to it and how you may feel about this. For more information about this, please visit our guide on sharing your experiences of self-harm and suicidal feelings online safely.

You can consider saying something like “I believe that everyone deserves to have someone there to listen when they’re going through a difficult time.”

When sharing articles or statistics, make sure the content comes from a reputable source that addresses suicide safely and sensitively.

For example, if you know someone who has used our services or lost a loved one, make sure you’ve got permission to tell their story. You should also consider anonymising other people involved before mentioning them in your post to protect their privacy.

Avoid speculating about suicide or suggesting that someone’s death was a solution to their problems. Suicide is complex and involves lots of different factors, so steer clear of attributing it to a single cause, as it could pose a risk for someone experiencing similar issues.

Instead, consider raising awareness about the importance of supporting someone you are worried about. You can find more information in our guide on Supporting someone online who might be at risk of self-harm or suicide.

When posting about self-harm and suicidal feelings, people may open up about their own experiences or talk about how they are feeling. This can be a positive experience, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.

Think about where your comfort levels are, if and how you plan to respond. It is okay to change your post’s settings and even to share your personal boundaries. When seeing comments from people in distress, consider replying to them and informing your followers on how to support each other using the tips from the guide above.

Here are a couple of examples you can use:

“I’m sorry to hear that things have been difficult. If you’re in the UK or Ireland you can call Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123 or email [email protected]. If you’re in another country, you can visit befrienders.org to find a local service.”

“It sounds like you’re having a really hard time right now. Asking for help may not always be easy. Samaritans volunteers are there for you 24/7 on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258 and they will text back to help you through. If you’re outside the UK, please visit befrienders.org to find a local service.”

“Samaritans volunteers are there to listen round the clock if you need to talk about what you’re going through. You can get in touch for free on 116 123 or email [email protected]. More support options are available through these resources: XXX (signpost to one of the safe spaces mentioned above).”

It is important to ensure your audience has access to sources of support, as well as looking after your own wellbeing. Keep in mind that you can play a key role in reducing stigma and encouraging conversation about this topic, and it might be impossible to respond to every comment, especially if you have a large following.

Whenever possible, try putting comments for moderation and keep in mind that everyone processes and copes with these topics differently. Aim to use inclusive, considerate language that acknowledges a range of experiences and emotions.

Try to notice whether the post has made you feel any positives such as relief, acceptance or support.

If it has made you feel worse or unsafe, it is OK to remove your post and talk to someone you trust about how it’s made you feel.

This includes content that encourages or promotes self-harm and suicide or shows a user in need of urgent help. It’s important to report whenever possible and inform your audience so they can do it too.

It’s also worth safeguarding them in case they see posts like these, as they may need support or reassurance. For more information, please visit our guide on what to do if you see worrying suicide and self-harm content online.

Sometimes sharing and reading about other people’s personal experiences and feelings can leave you feeling vulnerable. Please look after yourself and take a break from social media when you need it.

If you or your audience are affected by comments or interactions related to your post, you can find the different ways you can contact Samaritans here.