Every time I see someone in genuine need of help in this forum or any other internet platform, I am very cautious because I don't know their situation. My first advice is to tell them 'Leave the internet and get in touch with someone in real life'.
But, sometimes people don't feel comfortable talking about their problems with other people in real life. Sometimes, they just want to vent anonymously online and want to release their frustrations so others can listen or maybe get into a debate too, which may not be healthy for them if they really need help. This is why it's best to stay off the internet when you're dealing with some sort of hardship, but venting anonymously is a form of therapy too.
I mean i have seen a few regular users here in this forum who have been venting for years in their blogs or other sections of the forum. So, that's their form of therapy and not a lot of other users engage them either.
This is why i consider giving advice over the internet, a bit difficult because i don't know their situation and the last thing i want to do is give health related advice when they're dealing with some difficult disease like cancer for example.
Just my 2 cents.