Soteria Chat was named after the Greek goddess of safety, deliverance, and preservation from harm. Online chat communities like Soteria can offer a sense of belonging and social support. They are a great way to make friends and meet people from all over the world — people you would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet. Unfortunately, online chat communities can also have a negative side. Soteria Chat was created as a safe haven from the negative side of online chat.
If you are facing a mental health crisis, reach out for help. In the US, you can call or text to 988. Click here to find help in your country.
Mental health is a critical concern that impacts a large number of people, and at Soteria Chat, we are dedicated to addressing this issue. Studies suggest that one in four individuals will encounter a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. Soteria Chat rooms offer a supportive environment where individuals facing mental health struggles can find a sense of community. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, users can feel less isolated. However, it’s important to remember that there are always strategies and practices to promote better mental well-being.
Report Cyberbullying and Harassment
Like any online space, chat rooms can be susceptible to cyberbullying and harassment. Negative interactions can significantly impact the mental health of individuals. If you face any bullying or harassment at Soteria Chat, please use the report feature in main chat or in PM to alert the site staff, and feel free to contact any of the site staff. You can find a list of site staff in the left side menu. Your concerns will be taken seriously. Please remember you can use the ignore feature to block contact from anyone who is bothering you.
Avoid Triggering Content
Some chat rooms may contain content that can be triggering for individuals dealing with mental health issues or past traumas. Please read the room description and topic when entering a room and familiarize yourself with the site rules. If you find anything that violates site rules, please report it and contact a staff member online.
Manage Your Online Time
Spending excessive amounts of time in online chat rooms can potentially contribute to feelings of social withdrawal and impact real-life relationships. In other words, real life comes first. We know that real connections and friendships can be made online in our chat rooms, but real life always comes first. Go outside and touch the grass. Spend time doing an activity you like — go for a walk, read a book, play a game, hang out with real-life friends and/or family. You have to strike a balance between online life and offline life.
Set Boundaries
Be mindful of the time spent in chat rooms and establish healthy boundaries to avoid negative impacts on your overall well-being. In other words, it’s ok to say “no” — to anything that makes you uncomfortable. You can set your PMs to friends only or turn them completely off. You control what information you share. You control who you add to your friends. You set your boundaries.
Report Harmful Behavior
If you encounter cyberbullying or harmful behavior at Soteria Chat, report it to the moderators or administrators of the chat room. You can use the “report” feature for posts in main chat, on friend walls, and in PM. You can always find staff online by checking the Staff List in the left menu.
Seek Professional Help
While online support can be beneficial, it’s crucial to consult mental health professionals for guidance and treatment. Peer support can be beneficial, but it’s not a substitute for professional mental health care. In some cases, misinformation or harmful advice may be present, and users should be cautious.
Soteria was created to be a place of peace and community. Do you have any suggestions to add? Let us know in the comments.
Such a wonderful post! While Soteria is a definite safe haven, experiences in chat can take their toll even in the best of environments. The difference between Soteria and other places is that the staff cares about their users. This post is an example of that. Thank you for making us aware of these signs and for providing resources!
This post is very meaningful and thoughtful. ❤️
My recent negative experiences with an online chat world guided me here along with an invite from a friend. I noticed the warm safe vibe instantly here and it is very much appreciated!