[mattmaroon]

Can't be done. What we need to do (and should have before the internet) is have a better support system for people with mental health issues. Once you're broadcasting the fact that you're thinking about suicide on the net, it's only a matter of time. It's a shame that people seem to have spurred him on, but there's a really high chance people in his life saw something coming (or would have if they knew what to look for) and didn't act, and that even if he hadn't done it yesterday, he'd do it at some point in the future.

[gambling8nt]

"Once you're broadcasting the fact that you're thinking about suicide on the net, it's only a matter of time."

Do you really think that every time someone talks about suicide on the internet that they are actually serious? Or even most of the time? Certainly I agree that a better support structure is needed, but talking about suicide on the internet may not necessarily be as much of a warning sign as you seem to think (a study on this would probably be reasonably insightful to the matter).

[mattmaroon]

Yeah, I do. Suicide is a cry for attention, and as such usually begins with other (often directly related) cries. I'd say that most people who start talking about it live on webcam are going to attempt it at some point if they're not helped. Just conjecture on my part.

[Tichy]

I guess in many cases the problem is that it is not obvious how to react to mental health issues. There are only theories on how to cure someone, but few certain measurements. Still, at least attempts at cures should be made (or at prevention).

[mattmaroon]

As their family member it's obvious how to react: tell them to get help, and ride them about it until they do. I've done this. The second part is probably the more important.

There's no guarantee that help will be successful of course, but you've at least done what you can.