In response to a devastating post on postsecret.com that broadcasted an anonymous person’s plan to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge to end his/her life, Kimberly Furnell created the Facebook page “Please Don’t Jump.” Furnell felt she had to do something to get through to the blogger after viewing the post. Since creating the page in early June, 20,250 300 people have joined, written comments and posted pictures in a heartfelt effort to persuade the anonymous poster not to follow through with the suicidal plan. The page has received tremendous response, mostly with posts describing how loved this person is, and how others have coped with depression and suicidal thoughts. The daily (even hourly!) comments are quite incredible; hopefully the anonymous poster has seen just how many people care.

Suicide-related pages on Facebook are becoming more popular. Teens and families of teens experiencing grief, thoughts of suicide, depression and countless other difficult emotions have started using the Internet as an outlet and forum for discussions and cries for help. A Facebook group called “Teens Against Suicide” provides a place for anyone to comment or post photos of loved ones in their memory. This page provides a space for the memories of loved ones to live on infinite cyberspace.

Have you used Facebook or another online site to express your thoughts or interact with other people dealing with suicide?

Do you think the anonymous blogger knows this Facebook page has been created for him/her? And if so, do you think he/she will listen?