Discord is a platform where diverse communities actively interact, including those centered around games, hobbies, and learning. However, there are also users who have mental health concerns or feel lonely. This article further explores the importance of mental health awareness on Discord and concrete ways to build a better community.
Mental Health and Mental Illness: Deepen Understanding and Eliminate Prejudice
“Mental health” and “mental illness” are both terms that describe the state of the mind, but their meanings differ.
- Mental health refers to the overall state of mental well-being. It includes feeling fulfilled and happy, as well as experiencing temporary stress or anxiety.
- Mental illness refers to mental disorders or conditions, which may require professional treatment or support. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders.
Mental health, like physical health, is important for everyone. However, mental health issues are often invisible and difficult for others to understand. As a result, many people who are struggling suffer alone.
It is crucial to deepen the understanding of mental health and eliminate prejudice in the Discord community as well. Let’s create a warm atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing their concerns through open dialogue.
Setting Up a Mental Health Channel: Providing a Safe Place
Setting up a dedicated channel or thread for mental health is an effective way to provide a space where community members can share their concerns and support each other.
- Safe and Secure Space: Topics related to mental health can involve delicate content, so it is important to have a safe place to talk. By setting up a dedicated channel or thread, you can protect privacy and create an environment where people can feel comfortable sharing their concerns.
- Promoting Peer Support: Providing a space where users with similar concerns can connect and encourage each other can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase the motivation to recover. Sharing experiences and exchanging advice can help support each other.
- Consultation Points for Specialists: By posting consultation points for professional organizations and useful information within the channel, you can ensure that appropriate support is available when needed.
Promoting Healthy Discussions: Rules and Moderation
Topics related to mental health can sometimes become emotional and difficult to have constructive discussions. Clear rules and appropriate moderation are essential to promote healthy discussions.
Rules:
- Respect and Compassion: Prohibit defamation, discrimination, prejudice, and personal attacks, and encourage communication that respects others.
- Constructive Exchange of Opinions: Even when opinions differ, refrain from becoming emotional and try to have a constructive exchange of opinions.
- Consultation with Specialists: If specific advice or treatment is needed, encourage consultation with a professional organization.
- Respect for Privacy: When sharing personal information or experiences, obtain the individual’s consent before doing so.
Moderation:
- Active Intervention: Intervene promptly and appropriately for rule violations or inappropriate remarks.
- Empathy and Listening: Be empathetic and listen carefully to users who are struggling.
- Coordination with Specialists: As needed, encourage consultation with professional organizations or coordinate with them.
- Moderator Self-Care: Topics related to mental health can be mentally draining for moderators as well. Take regular breaks, secure someone to talk to, and stay active within reasonable limits.
Mental Health Resources: Appropriate Support When Needed
- Domestic Consultation Points: There are various consultation points such as TELL, Inochi no Denwa, and Yorisoi Hotline.
- Overseas Consultation Points: Consultation is also available in English from organizations such as The Trevor Project and Crisis Text Line.
- Online Resources: Take advantage of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s website and various mental health information sites.
Summary: Supporting Each Other Towards a Better Discord Community
Discord is not just a communication tool, but a community where people connect and support each other. Refer to the information introduced in this article and work together to make your community a warm place where everyone can feel safe and secure.