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 had a friend this morning text me, I WISH I COULD DIE this was shortly after i woke up, I stuggle with my own sanity most days so i still wanted to be her friend and i texted her back and forth because she she wouldn\'t answer her cell phone, and she continued by telling me the she was going to shut everyone out and just die. I asked her if she was serious about dying she said yes so i stopped texting found her boyfriends cell number told him she was suicidal and i needed her address so i can call the cops.
So i called the cops and told them my concern, and they said they would look into it, and i told my friend that cops have been called to check her out, she took off. And now she\'s posting on facebook how everything sucks and that she should\'t tell anyone anything, i took her thoughts of dying seriously. So I was pissed so when she posted stuff about never talking to anyone again, i told her to cut the crap out and that using death as an attention getting was wrong and can hurt people that care. And now she\'s pissed cause i won\'t carry on a discussion texting, and will only talk to her on the phone because i don\'t feel it appropriate talking about this heavy stuff texting.
Did i do the right thing by calling the cops or should i have just left it alone??
So i called the cops and told them my concern, and they said they would look into it, and i told my friend that cops have been called to check her out, she took off. And now she\'s posting on facebook how everything sucks and that she should\'t tell anyone anything, i took her thoughts of dying seriously. So I was pissed so when she posted stuff about never talking to anyone again, i told her to cut the crap out and that using death as an attention getting was wrong and can hurt people that care. And now she\'s pissed cause i won\'t carry on a discussion texting, and will only talk to her on the phone because i don\'t feel it appropriate talking about this heavy stuff texting.
Did i do the right thing by calling the cops or should i have just left it alone??
HUGS
If you know someone who is depressed, it affects you too. The first and most important thing you can do to help a friend or relative who has depression is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment on behalf of your friend or relative and go with him or her to see the doctor. Encourage him or her to stay in treatment, or to seek different treatment if no improvement occurs after six to eight weeks.
To help a friend or relative:
0. Offer emotional support, understanding, patience and encouragement.
0. Engage your friend or relative in conversation, and listen carefully.
0. Never disparage feelings your friend or relative expresses, but point out realities and offer hope.
0. Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to your friend's or relative's therapist or doctor.
0. Invite your friend or relative out for walks, outings and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon. Although diversions and company are needed, too many demands may increase feelings of failure.
0. Remind your friend or relative that with time and treatment, the depression will lift.
How can I help myself if I am depressed?
If you have depression, you may feel exhausted, helpless and hopeless. It may be extremely difficult to take any action to help yourself. But it is important to realize that these feelings are part of the depression and do not accurately reflect actual circumstances. As you begin to recognize your depression and begin treatment, negative thinking will fade.
To help yourself:
0. Engage in mild activity or exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed. Participate in religious, social or other activities.
0. Set realistic goals for yourself.
0. Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can.
0. Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you.
0. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly "snap out of" your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
0. Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation.
0. Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
You know that things have not been good. They lost a loved one six weeks ago, they lost there pet dog or cat last week, they have just broken a close romantic relationship two months ago, they have just been told by there boss or teacher they are not making the grade whatever the reasons they are going down hill fast every thing is coming apart.
We are never prepared for when someone confides in us I just cant take it anymore. life is just too painful. I dont feel like I want to live anymore. Ive decided that the only thing I can do is to kill myself.
When somebody discloses that he or she is thinking about suicide believe me you will fell many emotions bewildered and frightened, as if a great burden has been placed on your shoulders. It has. If someone confides suicidal thought to you, dont panic your 1st goal should be to see if you can encourage them to see a professional, IMPORTANT
If they are not face-to-face or you do not know the location where they are try and get a telephone number or an address if possible you may need it very soon so try as hard as you can to obtain it. But if the suicidal person will not talk to a professional and you sense you cannot break away from this person, then there are several things you can do.
1) Draw the person out. Framing questions like, Whats going on? Where do you hurt? What would you like to see happen? Such questions may prompt them to verbalize thwarted psychological needs and offer them some relief. This also gives you time to appraise the risk and decide on your next move.
2) Be sympathetic. Show empathy tell them you feel how troubled they are. Dont say something like. You are just being silly. You dont really mean it
3) Tell them that means other than suicide can be discovered to work out the persons problems, even if they are not apparent at the time Experts say that people that are suicidal can only see two solutions to their predicaments-suicide or some kind of magical resolution. Professionals try to broaden the available alternatives.
4) Ask how the person expects to commit suicide? People with explicit methods who also possess the means for example: (A gun, drugs, rope, poison or anything else can kill) are at the greatest risk. Ask if you can hold on to the gun, drugs, rope or poison or whatever else, for a while. Sometimes the person agrees. This is much more complex on-line you can ask is there anyone with you or near you that you trust and encourage them to let these people hole on to these fro a while.
5) Propose that you or another person accompany you to visit a professional right now. Most towns or Cities have Hotlines that you or the person can call anonymously. Other possibilities include the Emergency room of a general hospital, the police, and fire department or call an Ambulance. Now this is when it can real tricky they panic hang up the phone or try to get away from you, then you lose contact with them get assistance as soon as you separate, from any of the above options. This is when you will glad you got the telephone number and the location the professionals will need it to locate them FAST.
6) Dont say something like Youre talking crazy. Such comments are degrading, and injurious to the persons self-esteem. Dont press the suicidal person to contact specific people, such as parents or a spouse. Conflict with them may have given rise to the suicidal thoughts.
Above all, keep in mind that your primary goal is to comfort and show only empathy and understanding and encourage them to seek professional help.
Dont go it alone any more than you have to it is important to get professional help ASAP
Yes you did the right thing.