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How to help a close friend

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Fuzzy Fungi

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Someone I am particularly close to has been going through a lot of **** in life, and will continue to have a hard time for quite some time. She hurts herself, and I recently discovered she has been contemplating suicide.

I am clueless what I am supposed to do. I have been doing everything I could to help her, but she lately seems to be pushing me away. I don't know how to keep trying to be there for her without being a jerk who won't ever leave her alone.

What can I do?
 
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White Rabbit

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You should tell someone immediately. Your friend needs mental help-NOW! That may sound extreme but think of what will happen if she doesn't get help. I wouldn't know who to talk to, but my guess would be police. In the long run, telling an authority is normally the best help.
 
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heron

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There's a good self-injury forum here she might want to look through...people who post on it mix from still "SI" to "broke out of it," and they seem very suportive of each other.

It's in the Recovery category here.

From what I've read over the years, it's not pre-suicide, but an attempt to feel reality, gain control over a life where she has been controlled or is unable to fix circumstances. As in eating disorders, the support that you can give might be totally unrelated to the action...show her that you accept her, will defend her, and help her talk through past injustices. There are some meds that help regulate the seratonin bursts associated with this, so it's worth getting her to a doctor. (Even though I don't agree with medicating everything, you're talking life and potential death here.)

(Sorry the bold is so bold above; quick reply doesn't have many text options.)
 
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heron

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Reading your post again, if she's pushing you away, encourage her to private post someone on that forum--she might appreciate the confidentiality. You might even pick someone there yourself and ask if they'd mind talking with her. There are also good SI and suicide prevention sites listed there (professionals).
 
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