Submission Guidelines:

1. Suggested length is up to ~600 words.

2. You may talk about suicide but may not state specific plans or means for current suicide plans.

3. Though it can be comforting, refrain from using phrases like "in a better place" when referring to loved one's lost to suicide. Attributing any positive characteristics to suicide can be dangerous for audience members contemplating suicide.

4. Avoid specificity when referring to means of self harm and ways of hiding self harm.

5. Avoid talking about specific weights and calorie counts when discussing eating disorders.

6. You are an expert on your story: Tell us what worked and didn't work for you, but refrain from giving advice or diagnoses to others.

7.Finally, make sure you are comfortable with what you are sharing. If some parts of your story are still too painful or emotional it is okay to leave them out and share them at a later time.

 

(- Panelist Common Pitfalls, Active Minds)