Posted by shelliR on August 13, 2001, at 10:43:38
In reply to Re: Suicide - Sal » Cam W., posted by Zo on August 12, 2001, at 23:37:21
> Cam,
>
> While what you say makes a great deal of sense, it does so only within the context you have set out for it. By that I mean, if this is Sal's or anyone's form of service, if service is how they choose to live, how can we possibly say this is wrong. Wrong-headed, misguided. I think what we have here, again, are conflicting paradigms. The rules of the way in which you serve, at least insofar as I know you on this board, make sense. So does a suicidal person having Sal's messenger ID to call upon in a pinch. It is also common-sensical that a listening, caring ear at the right moment can make the difference. And you cannot regulate care! It springs up all around us, it springs from the human heart, it takes whatever form it will. This is the nature of life.
>
> Controls are important -- and so is respect for that which cannot be controlled. Let Sal give his gift, you tend to yours.
>
> ZoZo,
I think it is fine for Sal for give his "gift" on the board. I still don't have any problems with Sal's citation of studies, in fact I would acknowledge that they could help some people.
I do see a problem having Sal get into direct contact with someone suicidal on the board. If I trusted that Sal would just be there to listen, to offer support, get someone to go to the ER or call their pdoc, I wouldn't have a problem with that. As you said, a listening, caring ear at the right moment... However, because in the past Sal has directly told people what meds they should stay on, or to get immediately off of a drug , I feel safer, also, having Sal's participation be on the board. This approach seems to be Sal's way of caring, and I don't see it as the best way of caring when someone is suicidal.
Once someone is off the board, there are not the usual checks and balances. And yes, I do think Sal's style works better in a place where those checks and balances are in place. On the other hand, if someone takes Sal up on his offer, it *is* out of our control, and I hope he takes that responsibility very seriously. I do think Sal has a good heart, but not always the people skills , so I worry about him in a crisis situation.
Shelli
poster:shelliR
thread:74195
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74895.html