We don't see each other very often, but his texts, phone calls and emails are sometimes totally crazy and he seems to be really paranoid. Other times he's fine. What can I do to help him?
2007-01-27 09:47:45 · 13 answers · asked by michelle s 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
This could be anything from a chemical imbalance to bipolar disorder... to a person who craves attention. Unless you know what's wrong, you cannot help but you can be supportive. No one is perfect, so just be there and with time maybe you will be able to help or maybe you can just be there and sometimes that is all the help anyone needs.
If he's going to harm himself, or someone else (or even tells you he thinks about it) you will have to do something more, but I'm sure you know that.
It's obvious you're concerned, so call him, talk to him and *listen to him*.
2007-01-27 09:56:29 · answer #1 · answered by What_Ever 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Touchy subject! Unfortunately, it is often a friend or family member that sees a problem before the person is aware of themselves.
Are you aware of any drugs, drinking, etc that might be causing changes? Have there been real changes lately that have you worried? or has he always been this way?
This type of situation is best handled in person, not phone or email. Can you invite over or go for coffee. Try to be casual and just start by asking how he is feeling. How''s work? Just conversation and nothing that would put him on guard so to speak. See if you can get him talking about life and things in general. Listen for clues and watch for body language/facial expressions. If he seems to get irritated over something then back off a bit.
Don't push. Try to let him know you consider him a friend and if he needs someone to talk to about anything you are there for him. Start with a supportive approach, but still in a casual manner. He may open up or not. You are just there to get a handle on his emotional level.
There are normally crisis call lines in most cities. They might be better able to guide you in trying to get him help if indeed you see he is messed up. This will require some time from you just keeping in touch and noting any changes from time to time. Reaching out in a friendly way on a more regular basis.
He may not be aware of any changes in himself. Even those who have common depression may deny they are depressed! That is the problem with mental illness. The sick person thinks they are fine and everyone else is crazy. Unfortunately, the laws to protect privacy and patient rights works against those trying to help.
There has to be indication he is a threat to himself or others to really get agencies involved, especially if he is not willing to seek help.But I would look in phone book for the mental health clinics in area and call and talk to someone.
Hopefully, he will open up to you in time and maybe reveal things. For now be supportive and a friend and a good listener.
2007-01-27 10:12:20 · answer #2 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you think he may have a mental illness but that's not up to you to decide. Although you could suggest for him to go see a therapist, many people have a very negative view of therapists and psychology in general. So it's not up to you to diagnose him but if you're really worried, just kind of mention that you've been going to a great therapist and those sessions actually help to let things out.. just because someone goes to a therapist doesn't mean that they're crazy.
2007-01-27 09:52:01 · answer #3 · answered by Sharon X 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has to want help before you or anyone else can help him. If he is a threat to himself or to others you can call the police and have him taken into a mental health facility for observation. (usually 72 hrs. unless there is something actually wrong)
2007-01-27 09:54:26 · answer #4 · answered by anita_reel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
can't do much, we all have a mental illness, i guarantee that if everyone went to a shrink then %100 of the world would be screwed up in the head, just ask about the messages, odd's are he wants attention.
2007-01-27 09:51:16 · answer #5 · answered by d0wnward.spiral 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the calls and all that is crazy ask him how he feels and all.Or go over to give him company as a good friend would.Go out and kicc it for awhile.
2007-01-27 09:51:47 · answer #6 · answered by tflgal 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
encourage him to go to a doctor and get evaluated
there is medication if taken and therapy that helps with a lot emotional illness. He is blessed to have a friend like you who cares
2007-01-27 09:51:04 · answer #7 · answered by tennessee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not alot its quite a situation to be in really talk to some off your mutual friends and see if they feel the same
but probably best not to confront him/her head on as they might (at best ) take it as a joke (or at worst) who knows what they might do
2007-01-27 09:52:31 · answer #8 · answered by creme8888 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe just talking to him would be the best idea and if he admits nothings wrong then you should just leave it be because if its something serious maybe he just doesnt want to tell you or he might not be aloud or able to tell you so just hope that everything goes well and try talking to him about it.
2007-01-27 09:52:37 · answer #9 · answered by Joy H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Encourage your friend to talk to his doctor, who will refer him to the appropriate person.
2007-01-27 09:50:41 · answer #10 · answered by TwinkaTee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋