Responding to Safety Concerns

As a mentor at Unfilteredd, your role in recognizing signs of distress in our members is invaluable. 

Below are critical warning signs that may indicate a member is at risk of self-harm, suicide, or is in physical danger. 

It’s crucial to approach these signs with utmost seriousness and immediate action.

If you identify any of the following signs in a member’s communication, it is mandatory to send our emergency protocol template to the member. 

After sending the template, immediately report the situation to elijah@unfilteredd.net for further monitoring and record-keeping.

Elijah or Juliana Akin will be responsible for any necessary follow-up actions with the individual in question.

Therefore, please do not respond to any further emails from this person until you receive authorization from Elijah or Juliana Akin.

Warning Signs

1. Explicit Statements of Intent:

Be alert to direct statements about self-harm or suicidal intent. These are serious red flags and include phrases like:

  • “I can’t handle this anymore and I’m thinking of ending my life.”
  • “I’ve decided I don’t want to live anymore.”

2. Describing Specific Plans:

Pay attention to details about how a member might harm themselves, as these indicate a higher risk of imminent action. Look for statements such as:

  • “I’ve been thinking about how I would do it, and I have everything I need.”
  • “I’ve planned out how to end my life, and I think I’m ready to go through with it.”

3. Giving Away Possessions or Saying Goodbye:

Be aware of comments that suggest a member is giving away belongings or saying final farewells. This behavior can be a sign of preparing for suicide.

Examples include:

  • “I’ve started giving away my things, I won’t be needing them.”
  • “I want to say goodbye and thank you for everything.”

4. Signs of Physical Danger:

Stay vigilant for indications that a member is in a situation where they fear for their physical safety. Statements to watch for are:

  • “I’m in a situation where I fear for my life.”
  • “I don’t feel safe where I am; I’m scared something bad will happen to me.”

5. Talk of Being a Burden: 

Members may express feelings of guilt or worthlessness, believing that their existence is a burden to friends, family, or society.

This is a significant warning sign and should be approached with sensitivity. You might encounter statements like:

  • “I just feel like everyone would be better off without me around.”
  • “I’m such a burden to my family, they shouldn’t have to deal with me anymore.”

Emergency Protocol Email Template

Dear [member’s first name],

I hope this message finds you well. At Unfilteredd, we have a protocol to ensure the safety and well-being of all our members. 

In your previous message, you mentioned:

[insert specific details from the member’s message here]. 

Given what you’ve shared, I am concerned for your safety.

It is our policy to suggest immediate action when a member expresses feelings or situations that could indicate a risk to their safety. 

That’s why I am reaching out to you with these urgent steps:

1. Contact Emergency Services: If you are in immediate danger or having suicidal thoughts, please call emergency services right away. This is a crucial step to ensure your immediate safety and to get the urgent help you need.

2. Seek Additional Support: For extra support, visit Find A Helpline. This resource can connect you with a crisis helpline in your area.

3. Reach Out to Someone Close: If possible, please also consider contacting a friend or family member to be with you during this time.

Having a trusted person nearby can provide comfort and assistance, whether it’s offering emotional support or helping to ensure your physical safety.

Your safety is of the highest importance to us. We are here to support you, but in situations like these, immediate professional help is vital.