Helping Friends/Loved Ones Who Are Suicidal Or In Abusive Situations / Question
Published: September 18, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, my friend has lots of problems in her life. Her family cares for her, but she doesn't realize it. So she thinks everyone hates her. She cut herself once and doesn't think it's harmful. She often writes about suicide and I'm not sure if she will but she won't even talk to me or my other friends right now. So I have no way to help her. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU!
Signed: Friend Has Lots Of Problems; Cuts & Writes About Suicide
Dear Friend Has Lots Of Problems; Cuts & Writes About Suicide,
Your friend is lucky that you care about her so much. She needs professional help to deal with her feelings and thoughts of suicide - this is not something that you can handle on you own.
TeenHealthFX recommends that tell someone - so your friend can get help and you can feel better. A good place to start would be with your parents. With the support of your parents you can talk with your friend's parents or a counselor at school. Your friend may feel like it is a betrayal but she needs to understand that because you are her friend, it was difficult for you to stand by knowing she was in pain. Also, let her know how devastated you would be if she had harmed herself and you had not been allowed to help.
If your friend gets the proper help she needs, then her mood and outlook on life will improve. Once she is in a better place she will see your actions were motivated out of concern and come to appreciate how good a friend you are.
If you friend is seriously considering suicide or becomes afraid of her impulses then she needs to seek help immediately. She can call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey she can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Most smokers begin smoking as teens, and the average age of initiation is 12.5 years of age.
