Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."

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can you help?

puglet
puglet
about a year ago, I met someone online and we've became friends. This person dont know why God has done this to him and he just wants to die.I dont know alot about his illness but I know its sever. Talking online is hard for him. But he seems to have such a caring and loving heart. He prays to die. Ive been praying for him and Ive been here for him to offer friendship. He seems to be an older gentlemen. and very alone. I know he is in a group support. I dont know anything about his meds or him really. My heart just breaks for him and I would like to know of some ideals to help. Please help me to help a friend. thank you
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would like to start by saying I am sorry this is so stressful for you, I appreciate your concern and I'm glad that you have taken the initiative to help this friend. I would also like to add that having someone who is supported, like you, in his life is a huge help. This disease can cause someone to feel extremely alone, and a great support system means the world to those suffering.
I'm not sure what to say to help you or to help him, but I did find this website and this discussion board helpful. I realized for the first time since suffering this disease, that I am NOT alone in these feelings. That alone helped me more than I could ever say. I would definitely mention this site to him as an outreach for his own person shoulder to lean on. He may be like me, and not realize that we are not alone in this giant world that often seems so small. He may find refuge in some other people's questions and answers.
I'm sorry I'm not much more help than that. Please continue to support your friend as that is a huge help even if he may not realize it. Stay Strong... Good Luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's nice you want to help your friend with his illness, but, he has to help himself. He needs to take responsibility for his own mental health. You can support him by encouraging him to get professional help. And positive words also help. Be aware that this friendship does not affect your life in a negative way.Because if it does, then it's time to back off a little. Your mental health comes first.
lightbright
lightbright
I'm not saying that your friend is threatening to take his life, but if he ever has or does, then he really does need to be seen by a psychiatrist and put in a program or hospital to help him professionally. If you have to, call the cops on him because wouldn't you feel bad if he cried out for help and didn't get the help he needed, then commit suicide? You could call a suicide hotline and ask for help, and tell him about one, too. I have called them, and they really did help a lot. It's great that you care about him so much, but take care of yourself, too, and have boundaries, because his negativity could also affect you negatively, and that is not good. Good luck!