Reference to suicide

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   Bronwyn Hansenposted 10 years ago

   Hi Everyone
   
   Can somebody please help me out with a sticky situation?
   
   I am currently writing a Hub which refers to a musician's suicide.
   
   In no way am I condoning or promoting suicide or self harm. Below the reference to this sad event, I have called on people who may be considering such action to seek help, and provided phone numbers and links to the two major Australian (non-profit) support services.
   
   Is this acceptable for posting? I cannot find anything in the Learning Centre or FAQ.
   
   Thanks in advance

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   1. 83

      tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      There have been articles on HP with regard to suicide. That is always going to be a touchy subject, even though it may be a reality of what is written about rather than it as a subject. A disclaimer of some type would be a recommendation. That along with the helps you are indicating being used you will be providing offering a position. A strong emphasis in text with those phone numbers may present your positioning as a caring author regarding that there is 'Help' available. Urging to contact those numbers with relevance to need with a soft and caring tonal quality goes a long way

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   2. 93

      Christy Kirwanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Bronwyn,
      
      What you've described is allowed on HubPages, but just be aware that ads may be turned off on a Hub that discusses suicide, which means you won't be able to make money from that Hub (though, it will still potentially help a lot of people). In fact, it may be a good idea to turn ads off yourself for that particular Hub, just to be on the safe side. Many advertisers don't want their ads to show up next to content that discusses suicide, so ads are often turned off automatically on Hubs with sensitive subjects to protect your AdSense account from a TOS violation.
      
      To turn ads off yourself, just edit the Hub and make sure ads are switched to "off" under the Display Options section in the HubTool:
      

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         Bronwyn Hansenposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, Christy. Ads deactivated. I though it would be better to get advice in this

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   3. 0

      sheilamyersposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I wrote a hub about PTSD and suicide among police officers which included statistics, warning signs, etc. I also provided links to suicide prevention and emergency help sites so anyone thinking about suicide would be able to go directly to the professionals for help. HP didn't have any problems with the hub and, in fact, it's probably second in number of page views of all my hubs. To me, that shows both support from HP and the fact there are people looking for the information so they can find help for themselves or someone they really care about.
      
      I think it's great that you're using the hub to help other people and providing the phone numbers they can use. If I may, I'd like to make a suggestion. Along with the Australian phone numbers, perhaps you can post a link to website that would list numbers for other international prevention organizations because some people reading the hub will be from other countries and you may also inspire them to get help.

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   Mark Leesposted 10 years ago

   I can't think of any reason why not. Sadly a lot of biographies will end on the tragic note of suicide and provided it is treated with respect and tact I see no harm in it.

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3. 81

   lbsf1posted 10 years ago

   Personally as long as you are taking the matter of suicide seriously and not as a light hearted matter then I see no problem. Sadly suicide is something that effects many peoples lives (whether themselves or through friends/relatives) and if it is a taboo subject that is not going to help anyone.
   
   From what you have said you are going to write I think that it will be more than fine, you are talking about a real life event that happened (which as long as you keep factual there should never be a problem with no matter the subject in my opinion) and by adding the information of support services you are making sure that anyone who is reading your hub from the position of contemplating suicide may then see how to get help/advice from experts.
   
   Look forward to reading the hub.

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4. 0

   Bronwyn Hansenposted 9 years ago

   Thank you everyone. I appreciate your input and help with this

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