Chat, Debate and Dairy Guidelines

The aim of the Depnet community is to bring people out of the isolation that depression may cause. We hope to foster communication between people affected by depression to help reduce the stigma and provide a support network for our users. In order to be able to continue this service we ask that you adhere to our guidelines for using the interactive features.
 
Chat Room/Debate Etiquette
When you enter the chat room, please say hello and introduce yourself using your nickname. Using the same nickname at all interactive features and each time you enter the chat will promote trust and avoid confusion. 
 
Please welcome new visitors as they enter the chat or debate and try to include them in discussions. Remember some people will have never used a chat room before and may need encouragement or assistance.
 
Please remember to log out of the chat room or debate if you leave as it may create confusion if you are asked a question and don't respond. 
 
Personal Details
We ask you not to disclose personal details e.g. address and phone numbers via the Internet. We may remove such details for your own safety. If you would like to contact someone, let us know and we will ask them if they want to contact you. No contact details will be provided to a third person without your permission. Similarly, never give out someone else's contact details (including email addresses) to a third person.
 
At Depnet, we are concerned about your safety. Depnet does not take responsibility for any relationships that develop online and that extend beyond the realm of the Internet. Do not use the chat room, debate or diary as a forum to settle issues that arise outside of the Depnet community.
 
The chat room, debate and diary are not to be used:
 
To discuss plans to harm yourself or others. 
 
To advertise a product or a service.
 
To get treatment advice (always see your doctor for this).
 
To replace a mental health service or professional.
 
As a place to 'pick up' dates.
 
For professional research.
 
If you are suicidal, please contact lifeline or your doctor. Do not post suicide notes or plans for suicide on-line, this is unfair to other people and will be upsetting to others who may be emotionally fragile. 
 
Check the 'help' section for further information; there are many options available for you.
 
Advice regarding medical treatment obtained from others via the diary, debate or chat room is illegal and potentially dangerous. Treatment issues should only be discussed with suitably qualified health professionals. 
 
Depnet reserves the right to ban a user from the chat room, debate or diary if they provide unqualified medical advice.
 
"Ettiquette"
Please adhere to the following standard Internet chat/debate etiquette guidelines. 
 
Language:
Swearing is inappropriate and offensive to many people. Even if you need to vent your pain and feelings we encourage you not to swear. Remember that visitors to Depnet are a cross section of ages and cultures and we ask you to consider others. We reserve the right to edit all swearing.
 
Typing in capital letters is considered yelling on the Internet and we request that you refrain from using capitals as much as possible.
 
Opinions, Humour and Sarcasm
We all have the right to our own opinions. Sometimes our opinions will be different to those of others. We ask you to respect individual opinions and not to judge or ridicule others for their beliefs or ideas. 
 
This is a place to communicate and share safely and freely and we cannot do that if we feel judged. Do not criticise, abuse or attack others if you disagree with them. If something makes you upset or angry we encourage you to log off and cool down. You can re-enter the chat or debate once you have calmed down.
 
Please avoid sarcasm or humour that may be misinterpreted. If your intent is to be funny then make sure everyone knows that is the case by using a 'smiley face' such as by typing ":-)" or ":" 
 
Commenting about others
Be careful not to make bad comments about other people e.g. your boss or spouse, remember they have just as much right to use this site as you do and it is important to respect others. Often things are said in the heat of the moment when you're feeling oversensitive or paranoid, these things cannot be taken back and may cause damage to your relationships. Remember that you may not be thinking or behaving in your usual way.
 
Contact Depnet
If you have any questions, need help or have a concern or grievance, please contact us by clicking this link.