AboutChris Harris Expertise I can help with referral questions regarding suicide prevention and treatment as well as problems finding support, speaking with loved ones about suicide, and accessing needed services. I do not give advice regarding medications or endorse any particular service group or organization.
Experience Out patient therapist, emergency room social worker, and drug and alcohol counselor
Education/Credentials masters degree in social work, State social work license
Expert: Chris Harris Date: 6/13/2008 Subject: what should i do
Question my ex boyfriend of 6 years tried to commit suicide.he is now out of the hospital and back home ( the environment there is not good i don't think for a recovery) without over stepping my boundaries what can i do to help him through this although we broke up we have continued to stay friends he is in denial about his drug habit and still thinks its ok to continue doing what he had been doing before . i don't want to preach to him i just think i should be someone he can trust and talk to the problem is that where he lives he will always be tempted. please steer me in the right direction on what i should do
Answer Mindy,
I am not sure there is anything you can do. If you broke up, then continued contact with him sets up an expectation that you will always be there to support him and this is not the case. Encourage him to seek treatment and move on with your own life. He needs to seek treatment for his D&A problems as well as the stuff motivating his suicide attempt. My advice is to move on and not have any contact with him. He is not in a place to reciprocate and you have made it clear you do not want a relationship. Sorry if this sounds cold, but you have already made your choice now it’s time to move on.
Chris
