Guidelines for the Disabilities & Mental Health Section

To keep this space safe, inclusive, and supportive, please follow these guidelines when posting:

1. Respect All Disabilities

Disabilities can be visible or invisible, physical or mental, permanent or temporary. Please don’t judge or minimize someone’s experience based on how “severe” you think it is.

2. Avoid Ableist Language

Refrain from using language or jokes that belittle disabled people or reinforce harmful stereotypes. If you're unsure about a term, ask or avoid it.

3. Listen and Validate

This is a peer support space. Listen without trying to fix. Sometimes, just saying “I hear you” means more than advice.

4. Share, Don’t Diagnose

You’re welcome to share your experiences — but please avoid diagnosing others or assuming their condition based on what they’ve shared.

5. Trigger Warnings Help Everyone

If your post includes sensitive topics (e.g., suicide, trauma, abuse), add a clear trigger warning at the top like:
TW: [Topic]
This helps others engage safely.

6. Privacy and Consent Matter

Don’t share anyone else’s medical or mental health story without their clear permission. Respect others’ boundaries in replies.

7. No Gatekeeping

Everyone’s experience is valid. There is no “right way” to be disabled or to struggle with mental health.

8. This Is Not a Crisis Service

While we’re here to support each other, please know we are not professionals. If you or someone else is in crisis, seek immediate help from a trusted emergency resource or crisis line.