My Friend Needs Help! (So... Please Help!)

[jeepmudr14]

Okay my Friend is going through a rough time and she needs help. How do I get her to stop? And PLEASE HELP!

[byee]

For one thing, Tom, you might have to be a bit more specific with us.

But in general, depending on what it is that's involved here, what the threat is, you can either encourage the person to tell a trusted adult, or if you're really worried, tell an adult yourself. Don't play therapist, and do not play God. I know it feels good to want to help, and to be that trusted person in their lives. But, if they're really in dire straits, and the stakes are high, only a qualified professional can really assess and treat many of the major probs you might be hearing.

If it's not life threatening, the two things that might be most helpful are just listening, and being supportive. it's amazing what lending an ear can do, just hearing someone out and just smiling or telling them you appreciate how hard it all must be. There's no need to think of 'the' right answer to their porb or tel them what to do/give advice. When people hurt, someotimes they just need a friendly, non judgemental person to let it all out to. Most people have the ability to find their own way out of their troubles, they're talking not so much to get that, but just soothe some of the pain.

But, if you're really worried, work on getting her to someone who has the training to do the treatment required to save your friend.

[jeepmudr14]

thanks (lol TOM)