For a long time I have noticed his disinterest in life increase.
I'm not so sure he will try to end his life, he is a Christian. I am sure he has given up. I am afraid he's trying to rationalize suicide, that somehow his mortal soul will make it to heaven if he ends his life because of his faith and love for Christ. His room covered in religious books, always resiting the rosary, not making it to mass any more. I visit with him but I am in denial, I don't know what to do, please do not be harsh.
2007-10-30 09:06:04 · 15 answers · asked by lee f 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sounds like he might just need some space for himself and need to do something other than religion for a change. There is more to the life of a Christian than worshipping 24/7. God wants us to experience the world in order to know the fulness of His creation.
Sometimes, from a Christian perspective, but also just like anyone in this world, we have to deal with some harsh situations. I don't want to be harsh in my response to you, but I do want to be realistic. I am not saying that the following suggestions are actually what you should think of as set in stone, but you should consider them. I put myself into your shoes, and I consider the possibility that maybe "my friend" just doesn't want to be around me. But if I stop being this persons friend because of this, I don't want this person to think I am rejecting them or patronizing them or anything. And I don't want my behavior towards them to be what pushes them over the edge. I just want to get through all the crap and find out what's really going on and make sure everything is OK.
I just want them to be.
If you really think he is considering suicide, you should learn more about what to do and how to approach someone who is having these kinds of thoughts. Libraries, hotlines, online, there are a lot of good sources to consult. But you have to be careful, because becoming involved in someone's personal business can sometimes just make them angry or non-responsive.
good luck in this, good health, and god bless...
2007-10-30 09:21:57 · answer #1 · answered by endpov 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You need to get his family involved, or other people he trusts, and they need to get him the medical care he needs to work though the difficulties he's having right now. You don't say how old he is; if he is still under his parents' supervision, they need to know about this. It doesn't sound like he's having a crisis of faith - it sounds like he is suffering from depression. That is treatable with medications and/or counseling. To help him through it, you might try gently reminding him of something that's helped me through many difficult times in my life.
"Nothing is going to happen to me today that God and I can't handle together."
A little reminder like that can be enough to keep putting one foot in front of the other and working through whatever problems he faces.
If he's trying to rationalize suicide, then he's not rational at this point. Don't wait to get him the help he needs. Talk to his family or his priest or someone that he will listen to, and do it now.
2007-10-30 16:20:52 · answer #2 · answered by nardhelain 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask your pastor to talk to him. Just because he is Christian does not mean he won't do it. Let his parents know your concerns, too. Try to get him to counseling, (even though that's a hard one to achieve - maybe his parents can convince him). Listen to him. Tell him how much he has to offer this world. Tell him how, while the ones who leave may have ended their pain, they leave behind unbearable pain for others, no matter how much he may doubt that! Do everything you can to lift his spirits and meanwhile to get him professional help.
Death is the only inevitable result of life. It comes eventually, whether we want it or not. Life is SO short. Why not stick around and see what else happens, since death is already on its way?
2007-10-30 16:15:18 · answer #3 · answered by CJC 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Intervention
2007-10-30 20:24:11 · answer #4 · answered by hearingtheword 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Speak to a professional, at school or something.
Ensure the professional you refer him to is not religious as if they are their priority may be ensuring he remains religious rather than helping his mind completely and solving the deeper issues. no offense, but they tend to have a blind-belief attitude.
Hope for the best
2007-10-30 16:18:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to do an intervention fast with family and friends and a mental health professional. He needs to be treated for depression. Don't mess around with this or you will lose your friend.
2007-10-30 16:10:50 · answer #6 · answered by MOL 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Call a suicide hotline for advice - they are not just for people considering suicide but for family & friends to help figure out how to help.
2007-10-30 16:10:23 · answer #7 · answered by zmj 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should ask him why he is so sad. And remind him that God loves him. You sound like a good friend take him out for something nice that he may like to do. Good luck!
2007-10-30 16:11:28 · answer #8 · answered by mariposa 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
your friend has probably had something bad happen to him you may not know what or maybe you do know but think it's nothing. really all you can do is be there for him and show him your his true friend not much other advice than that can I give you!
hope everything goes ok :)
2007-10-30 16:11:17 · answer #9 · answered by Holly T 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Contact your local Mental Health Association as soon as possible for advise.
2007-10-30 16:12:09 · answer #10 · answered by preacher 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋