SameBoat works because people are honest here. That only happens if it feels safe to be honest. These guidelines exist to keep it that way.
Be kind first
Everyone here is dealing with something. Assume good faith, even when someone words things badly. If a post frustrates you, consider that you may be reading someone on their worst day.
Share experience, not instructions
The most valuable thing you can offer is what actually happened to you and what helped. You don’t need to fix anyone. “Here’s what worked for me” is worth more than “here’s what you should do.”
Don’t give professional advice unless you’re qualified to
If you’re a professional and you’re speaking as one, say so. Otherwise, keep it to your own experience. Nobody here should be diagnosing anyone.
Protect other people’s privacy
What people share here, they share because it felt safe. Don’t screenshot it, repost it elsewhere, or discuss it in a way that could identify someone. That includes people who aren’t on SameBoat — be careful how much you reveal about family, partners, or colleagues.
Protect your own privacy too
Use a username that doesn’t identify you. Don’t post your full name, address, phone number, email, or workplace. Once something is public, it can be copied and stored beyond our control.
Be careful with detail on hard topics
You’re welcome to talk about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating, or addiction — that’s what this place is for. But please don’t describe methods, amounts, or graphic detail. Someone else reading may be at their most vulnerable, and detail can do real harm.
If someone’s in danger, don’t handle it alone
If a post makes you think someone is at immediate risk, flag it so a moderator sees it, and point them to real help — in Australia, 000, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 13YARN on 13 92 76. Don’t try to be their crisis service.
Flag, don’t fight
If you see something that breaks these guidelines, flag it. Replying to bad behaviour feeds it and drags the thread down with it. Flagging is quiet, it works, and it’s the single most useful thing you can do for this community.
Keep it non-commercial
Don’t advertise, promote your business, recruit clients, or use SameBoat to generate leads. If you’re an organisation who wants a presence here, there are proper routes: become a Sponsor, or advertise with us.
Don’t post what isn’t yours
Don’t post other people’s writing, images, or work without permission, and don’t post anything you don’t have the right to share.
A note on moderation
Moderators and Sponsors do their best, but they don’t read everything and they’re not on duty around the clock. Content here isn’t reviewed before it’s posted. If something’s wrong, we need you to tell us.
We remove content and close accounts where we think it’s warranted. We’d always rather have a conversation than issue a ban, but we’ll act quickly where someone’s safety is involved.
Questions?
Our FAQ covers most practical questions. Anything else — message the moderators or post in Site Feedback.