Understanding the rules.

Here’s a more in-depth explanation of r/whenthingssuck rules, complete with examples! Feel free to drop questions in the comments

1. Be Kind and Supportive.

No harassment, hate speech, or toxic behavior. Everyone is allowed to have a rough time, (if you are here you are probably having a rough time) and we should be kind and supporting to everyone.

If someone is getting on your nerves, and you don’t feel like you can say something kind, don’t say anything at all.

EXAMPLE:

(post)

Ive been having a hard time and i found a stuffed animal that helps me feel safe. I feel embarrassed bc I’m 35f.

Comment #1: That is cringe and I wouldn’t ever do that personally😬 =Not okay

Comment #2: I’m glad you’ve found something that helps you feel safe❤️=Okay

2. No judgement

You don’t have to agree, but this is not the place to argue. Everyone makes stupid mistakes.

Ties in with number one, if you don’t have anything kind to say don’t say it. All of us have different things that help us and just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean someone else can’t.

EXAMPLE:

(post)

Ive been feeling ashamed and beating myself up lately bc I accidentally gave one of my customers a product with peanuts in it when they specifically said they were allergic.

Comment #1: yeah that was a dumb move. I’ve never done that before. = not okay

Comment #2: I can’t imagine how horrible that might feel. One thing that helps me when I make a mistake is to write a letter in my journal to the person it impacts. = okay

3. No NSFW or Graphic content

No posts/comments that provide too much detail about things like violence, gore, abuse, self-harm, self-injury, drug abuse, overdoses, sex, or illegal activity. Mod discretion is final.

Use common sense people. If in doubt, Mod mail away.

EXAMPLE:

Post #1

I struggle with cutting myself and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on ways to help the urge? = okay

I cut myself with ______ and I was wondering if anyone had any alternatives? = not okay

4. No asking for or giving medical advice 

Personal experience is fine. Medical instructions are not.

Personal experience is when you are sharing what works for you. Medical advice is when you are telling someone what to do.

EXAMPLE:

My therapist said I should try magnesium for my sleep and I found it helpful. =okay

You have sleep issues, try magnesium. =not okay

5. No emergency situations.

This community is not an emergency service. Do not make posts asking the community to help manage an active situation where you or someone else may be in immediate danger of being hurt.

If you are undergoing a mental health emergency hotlines exist to help.

In the US you can call 988, text HOME to 741741, chat through their website or go to https://findahelpline.com to find a helpline/hotline near you. Call 911 if you or someone else is in danger.

If you are not in the us, I recommend using https://findahelpline.com to find help near you.

EXAMPLE: My 10yr nephew is in the ER for mental health, what are some coping skills that work for this age? = okay

My 10yr nephew is trying to run away, what are some coping skills for him? = not okay

6. Stay on topic

All posts should be about coping with something, sharing coping skills, or just sitting in silence with each other.

Pretty self explanatory. If someone mentions something feel free to add on, but don’t change the conversation to the removed comment.

EXAMPLE:

(Post )

I love Minecraft! its like a escape from reality for me!

Comment #1: OMG, i didnt know that other people thought it was an escape from reality as well! I always try to get some in and I find it very relaxing. =okay

Comment #2: You should try out *unrelated movie* and *unrelated video game* = not okay

7. Respect the flair/post

If someone uses the no happiness flair, do not be happy. Similarly if someone says no advice wanted, do not give advice.

Currently post flairs are not working so instead you can say “no advice wanted“ or “no happiness“ in either the title, beginning, or end of your post until I get it sorted out. I will update with a list of flairs as soon as possible.

EXAMPLE:

(post)

I had my birthday today, got into a fight with my mom, and I’m looking for ways to make it special to me. No Happiness wanted.

Comment #1: Happy birthday! Could you try baking a cake, shopping, or calling family? = not okay

Comment #2: When I want to make a day special, I make my favorite food and give myself a budget for a splurge. = okay

8. Mod discretion

Mods may restrict participation, or remove content when necessary to keep this a safe place. Mod decisions are made by mod discretion and are final.

Basically if there is something that doesn’t technically break any rules, but you think should be removed, then you can report under this option and mods will take a look.

EXAMPLE:

Scenario #1: A user is commenting on all your posts and being creep They aren’t breaking any rules but they are making you uncomfortable = okay to report

Scenario #2: A user made a post about how they had gone no contact with their mom after years of being bullied by her. A comment suggests that they reach out to their mom and try to save their relationship = okay to report

And that sums it up. Thank you for reading and feel free to comment with any questions!