Our Community

Community Guidelines

These guidelines help us maintain a safe, supportive space for everyone. By using The Space Before Help, you agree to follow them.

Our Core Principle

"Be the person you needed when you were struggling."

Be Kind and Respectful

Treat everyone with compassion and dignity. We're all here because we're struggling with something — remember that.

Do

  • Use supportive language
  • Acknowledge others' feelings
  • Be patient

Don't

  • Insult or belittle
  • Dismiss someone's experience
  • Use hate speech

Protect Privacy

What's shared here stays here. Never share or screenshot conversations, and don't share identifying information.

Do

  • Keep conversations confidential
  • Use your anonymous username
  • Respect boundaries

Don't

  • Share screenshots
  • Ask for personal details
  • Try to identify users

No Harmful Content

This is a safe space. Content that promotes harm, violence, or illegal activity is strictly prohibited.

Do

  • Report concerning behavior
  • Share resources when appropriate
  • Focus on support

Don't

  • Share methods of self-harm
  • Encourage harmful behavior
  • Promote illegal activity

Listen, Don't Fix

Sometimes people just need to be heard. Unless asked, focus on listening rather than giving advice.

Do

  • Practice active listening
  • Validate feelings
  • Ask if they want advice first

Don't

  • Give unsolicited advice
  • Try to diagnose
  • Minimize their experience

Know When to Escalate

If someone is in immediate danger, help them connect with professional crisis resources.

Do

  • Share crisis resources
  • Encourage professional help
  • Report emergencies

Don't

  • Ignore warning signs
  • Try to handle crises alone
  • Promise to keep dangerous secrets

Be Authentic

Be yourself. Share your real experiences (anonymously). Authenticity creates real connection.

Do

  • Share genuinely
  • Be honest about limitations
  • Admit when you don't know

Don't

  • Pretend to be someone you're not
  • Make up experiences
  • Claim expertise you don't have

How We Enforce These Guidelines

We take violations seriously. Depending on the severity, consequences may include:

  • 1Warning and education about the guideline violated
  • 2Temporary suspension from the platform
  • 3Permanent ban for severe or repeated violations
  • 4Reporting to authorities when required by law (e.g., imminent danger)

See Something? Say Something.

If you witness a guideline violation or feel unsafe, please report it immediately. Your report helps keep our community safe.