Bulletin Board Post

Suicide

Worried About A Friend

<div class="ExternalClass939CC7EF06F1415AA1389EBBC196EE5B">Worried about friend who says she wants to die and cuts herself on her thighs. There is a two week period before we go back to our boarding school where she would be able to see a therapist. Her parents don't believe in mental illness so I was wondering if there is anything I could try. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassB294DF99E6B2418FB7FEF1D02583B79A"> It's great you are reaching out to find ways to support your friend. She must be going through a lot in her life. She is lucky that to have someone like you that wants to help her. You made a great choice to find support for you both. It can be scary when someone you care about makes comments regarding taking their own life. It can cause us to be unsure, as we don't know what to do or say. It is good to keep in mind you are not responsible for any suicidal actions they take, you can only focus on what you are able to control which is how you react and the steps you take to get your friend support. You cannot control anything she does and you cannot fix her. That being said, there are a lot of ways that you can support her. We have attached a link to our tips and tools page: <a href="/Pages/worried-about-a-friend.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/worried-about-a-friend.aspx</a>. You will see a couple of articles that talk about how to support your friend when you are worried about her. Also, at the bottom you will see a couple of tools that talk about safety planning. This is one of the best ways that you can help your friend. You can talk to her about this and help her record her answers so that she has this ready when her thoughts start to become too dark and she can't see a way out. If there is any immediate safety concern, reach out to 911 right away. They are able to go assist your friend and can complete a wellness check if you are scared she has done something or will soon. When speaking with a friend who is feeling suicidal the best thing you can do is believe what they are saying, listen to them, validate their feelings, encourage them to reach out for help by speaking with a family member, asking them to call us here at the hotline, or informing a trusted adult to get her further support. If she is not able to talk to her parents, then encourage her to talk to other family members, or even the counselor at the boarding school she attends. Please also consider reaching out to your parents about what is going on and ask them to help. It is noticeable you care a lot about your friend and want to help her. You are making the right choice! We want to be a support for you as well. If you would like immediate support, you can call, chat or text at <a href="/"> www.yourlifeyourvoice.org</a> . We are here to offer you support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Take care. Nancy, counselor </div>

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