Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I don't know if it is the right group for this but there is no "friends and family of depressed people" group.
My friend of 12 years is depressed and suicidal. In his "good moments" he says he'd never do it, and so far, the 12 yrs ive known him, he hasnt. But I feel like I'm running out of words for him. I feel inefficient. He seeks contact and I don't know what to say, it feels like it doesnt matter. Everything i come up with feels pathetic.
But i can't not answer.
But what do you say to someone who is basically saying goodbye. Or like today where I get a
"It would be so nice to feel the knife against my throat, see life run out of me, if this pathetic existens can be called a life."
what do I say to that? All I come up with is sending him a "hug", but what is a text message hug gonna do? Nothing.
Ive been doing this for so long, And I think lately I have become a lot better at handling certain things. Like I can accept that there is no right answer to what to say. I'll handle it my way that's all i can do. But I don't know what "handling it my way" is anymore.
Any insights? Ideas? Words of wisdom? Anything??
I just feel so lost and unable. Inefficient, Helpless. I know I can't "save" him, maybe what I answer doesn't really matter as long as I DO answer. Last thing to do is to ignore him. Just feel so...i don't even know anymore
My friend of 12 years is depressed and suicidal. In his "good moments" he says he'd never do it, and so far, the 12 yrs ive known him, he hasnt. But I feel like I'm running out of words for him. I feel inefficient. He seeks contact and I don't know what to say, it feels like it doesnt matter. Everything i come up with feels pathetic.
But i can't not answer.
But what do you say to someone who is basically saying goodbye. Or like today where I get a
"It would be so nice to feel the knife against my throat, see life run out of me, if this pathetic existens can be called a life."
what do I say to that? All I come up with is sending him a "hug", but what is a text message hug gonna do? Nothing.
Ive been doing this for so long, And I think lately I have become a lot better at handling certain things. Like I can accept that there is no right answer to what to say. I'll handle it my way that's all i can do. But I don't know what "handling it my way" is anymore.
Any insights? Ideas? Words of wisdom? Anything??
I just feel so lost and unable. Inefficient, Helpless. I know I can't "save" him, maybe what I answer doesn't really matter as long as I DO answer. Last thing to do is to ignore him. Just feel so...i don't even know anymore
Not sure what counseling lines you're refering to. Do you know any I can check out?
Thanks for your reply
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Depression-Supporters/support-group
It is not the most active group, but they are dealing with many of the same issues you are.
I would say that the first thing you need to do is to NOT see yourself as the one who is going to save your friend. He needs to own his problem, not you. This is not saying you should give up, far from it. Keep making information available to him, and being a friend.
Thank you for caring so much about your friend.