While Facebook’s role in mental health is not always positive, the social network is taking steps to help some of its users by providing new tools designed to prevent suicide.

Facebook Inc has allowed users to flag potentially suicidal content since as early as 2011, but the option was buried in Facebook’s help files and not especially easy to use. Now, the new features that Facebook began rolling out yesterday will provide users with an easy method of flagging worrisome status updates, which will then be reviewed by someone at Facebook who will determine if the message warrants some kind of response.

If Facebook believes that the flagged status update does reflect the potential for self harm, the site will give the flagged user a choice between contacting a friend for support, contacting a suicide prevention hotline, or viewing tips and suggestions on how to deal with depression and suicidal thoughts.

“One of the first things these organizations discussed with us was how much connecting with people who care can help those in distress,” said a joint post made by Facebook product manager Rob Boyle and community operations safety specialist Nicole Staubli. “We have teams working around the world, 24/7, who review any report that comes in. They prioritize the most serious reports, like self-injury, and send help and resources to those in distress.”

“We must confront suicide and suicidal thoughts openly and honestly”

While Facebook’s new feature is meant to help those at risk of self harm, Boyle and Staubli point out that if one of your Facebook friend’s makes a direct threat of suicide, you should not hesitate to contact emergency services first

Facebook has previously teamed up with suicide prevention services in the past, such as in 2011 when it partnered with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

“For anyone who has lost a loved one due to suicide, it is one of the most painful issues they will ever face; sometimes leaving an overwhelming sense of doubt, guilt, and silence enfolding the circle of friends and family like no other experience can,” Facebook wrote at the time. “We must confront suicide and suicidal thoughts openly and honestly, and use every opportunity to make a difference by breaking the silence and suffering.”

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