What can I do to help a friend who is 400+ miles away that is having a mental/emotional breakdown? We've been very close friends for several years but we currently live 400+ miles away and he has had a lot going on in his life recently, and in the past, and is having a really hard time dealing....
He called me tonight... He's not a drinker, but he was really drunk, and crying... Which is something else that is rare for him, no matter how bad things are..
He's tried to commit suicide before.. A few times... And I'm scared to death that he'll try again.
I'd like advice on how I can help him even though we're so far apart... What can I do for him? I can't lose him and just knowing that he's in pain has me bawling my eyes out.
Any advice that you could give, I would be very grateful for.
2006-10-04 19:39:29 · 11 answers · asked by Rachel S 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
The best thing you can do for him is be available in the best way that you can. Listen when he needs to talk, and if he doesn't want to talk but just needs someone just let him sit in silence on the phone with you. Support for someone doesn't have to be physical, it can also just be that you're doing your best to support him emotionally. Maybe you could drop a card in the mail to let him know you're thinking of him or send him an e-mail. Friendships change as you move away, but you can always be there for someone emotionally.
2006-10-04 19:43:15 · answer #1 · answered by jessetfan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe suggest him to take a vacation and visit you so you can spend quality time together! If that is not possible then let him know and feel that you are here for him no matter what and no matter what time it is! Knowing that someone cares for you helps in a miserable situation. Your friend should know that he can call you at any time and he should not have the feeling that he is bothering you! Make that clear to him and you will see that he might feel better! I agree also with the others that faith can give him strength, if he believes in a belief! I really do hope that everything turns to the better for you and your friend!
2006-10-04 21:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by bumblebee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep in touch with him every day, either by e-mail or phone or snail mail. He needs to be supported, especially if he has a history of trying to take his own life. Try to keep emphasizing that things are going to get better, even if he feels like they never will at the moment. Remind him that he didn't always feel this bad, so there is hope that he will feel better sooner or later. Tell him that it is okay to cry- guys seem to feel like they have to be tough and all that- try not to tell him what he should do or not do, (except not to kill himself) just try to be there for him and let him know you there is someone out there who cares for him very much and sends their love and is thinking good thoughts for them and hoping for the best for them.
2006-10-04 19:50:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suicide is higher in men than women so I would keep listening to him and let him get things off his chest. Men tend to keep things all bottled up which leads to severe depression. So if he is venting to you, let him!! Sometimes people need to talk just to release things and think straight. Be the strong one here. Call everyday and let him cry or talk as much as you can get him to. Let him know how important he is to you and that you would be lost without him. Keep reminding him so if he is suicidal, he will think he has to be there for you as well as you being there for him. Good luck and throw in some prayers for him OK.
2006-10-04 19:53:46 · answer #4 · answered by l'il mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find and call a mental health facility in his area and ask them. Let them know you are very, very concerned about him. It may be they send someone over to do a health check on him. Let them know he has attempted suicide before.
2006-10-04 19:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by The_answer_person 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would say that hes had mental troubles most of his life, his family are the only ones that can have him committed for treatment and thats what needs to be done , its not your responsiblity, im sorry for you. but mentally ill people only drag you down, my son in law nearly drove our family apart and did drive us into bankruptsy.
2006-10-04 19:44:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you can do is to pray to the Almighty GOD in the name of JESUS,
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him" (Nahum 1:7)
2006-10-04 19:56:17 · answer #7 · answered by Princess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are truely worried about him you can call the police in his area and request a "mental health" check.
2006-10-04 19:48:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call someone that lives close to him to check up on him.
2006-10-04 19:42:29 · answer #9 · answered by markgrinny 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All you can do is pray for them and let them know you are there for them to talk to and support.
2006-10-04 19:43:26 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋