I think one of my friends is depressed and having suicidal thoughts, but I'm really afraid to ask her about it cuz I don't want her to pull away from me... Any thoughts? I really need advice on this!
by 
babyrottweiler
ANSWERS: 9
-
Take her to lunch. Just ask in a casual way "How's things going?" Try spending time with her and let her know you're there if she needs to talk. If you still really think there's a problem, maybe talk to her parents or dr or something and let them know you're worried. Chances are, if she's depressed, she'll be happy to have someone to talk to.
-
Ask her anyway. Ask kindly, and don't go straight out and ask "are you depressed" but try "are you okay? I noticed you don't seem quite yourself" or something. But you have to be willing to go a long way to help, too. But it's better to ask than to have her act on any suicidal thoughts she may be having and have you regret it the rest of your life... and her not have life.
-
I think you should keep into constant contact with your friend, letting her know that you care. Also let her know that she can trust you to discuss whatever it is that's bothering her. Invite her out for a walk or bike ride or just for a coffee and speak to her.
-
You need to let her know you love her and are here for her. You don't have to say "I think you're suicidal"... you don't have to put her on the spot in a way that she feels you are trying to force an answer from her. She may lie to make you feel better anyway. Talk to her, a lot. Make extra time for her, write her a letter telling her about all the times you've loved spending with her, things you've laughed about, times she's been there for you and how much you want to thank her for that. Let her know that sometimes people going through the problems she's having get suicidal, and you're scared 'cuz you love her so much and it would rip you apart to know she felt things got that bad for her. Help her find someone else to talk to... a counselor, pastor, aunt... someone that is not part of the problem that she feels overwhelmed by. She may also need to see a doctor, sometimes a few months of anti-depressants makes a huge difference in helping the body get back on track. Good luck, hun.
-
You must have figured this out by some signals, ask her about them. For example, if you have noticed she is isolating herself and not as social, let her know you are aware something is bothering her because she hasn't been going out or is not as bubbly as usual. To help deal with this educate yourself. Here's a good site to start: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/suicide/MH00053 One thing you have to be prepared to do is step in and step on her toes if you feel something is going to happen, especially if she has access to guns or talked about hanging, the most often successful means. In some states they actually have statutes covering immediate care of those who pose a serious threat to themselves (called the Baker's Act in Florida). Find out what you can do. Talk to her friends and family, counselors, whoever is close to her about your concern she is depressed and unpredictable. I know you're walking a thin line between helpful and preventative, it's hard to get inside a person's head and heart and know what they are going to do. Just support her and make sure you have the support yourself through this time.
-
well sometimes you just have to say hey i know somethings bothering you what the hell is it!people sometimes want to know that there problems want to be heard from those around them so try sitting them down and talking to them and find out there problem then you can think of how to help them from there.
-
You should definitely get her help one way or the other. Suicidal ideation is a very serious thing. You'll feel a whole hell of a lot worse if she kills herself and you did nothing, than talking to her about it, and trying to get her help, and she pulls away from you. Would you rather know you did all you could?
-
You definitely need to talk to her, before she really DOES anything. Let her know that you are there for her & that you love her. Help her in getting whatever help she needs. Listen to her well.
-
With things like this, all the person wants is for someone to listen. The thing that will push them away is a friend that tries to "fix" them.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC