‘I’ve seen you at your worst, but I still want to be your friend’: A qualitative study of peer support exchange from the perspective of participants in online communities centred around self-harming and suicidal behaviour

Online communities centred around self-harming and suicidal behaviour provide an alternative to traditional mental health services, often perceived as paternalistic and unsupportive of autonomy. Participants describe online peer support as a way to share emotional burdens and form meaningful relationships. However, the informal nature of support may complicate recovery, especially when individuals become entrenched in the community. These dynamics warrant further research and consideration in mental health practice.