AboutJohn Expertise Almost no one understands how you feel if you are depressed and have thoughts of committing suicide. Even many doctors do not understand. Long term depressions put one at risk for this needless act but there is help available. I can show you how to get that help and help you to understand that what you feel now is only temporary. Parents and doctors encourage people to "snap out of it". Thus demonstrating their failure to understand this feeling.
Experience BA in Psychology. Counselor at a local church. Assistant youth pastor. Teacher of religious ed for 7th thru 12th grades.
Education/Credentials BA in Psychology and counseling
Expert: John Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: Talking to a couple friends
Question Hey John,
I'd asked you some questions before under the title of "Episodes of suicidal thinking", and so you know I've been exercising more, and drawing more, but I've been feeling very lonely, and need some help with that.
I've been thinking of talking to some of my friends about my feelings and suicidal thoughts for some support, but I don't know how to go about it. I've never told any of my friends besides a few online friends. The only people in real life who know about this are my school social worker (won't be seeing here again until the Fall since it's summer vacation time) a couple other school counselors I don't see as often, my therapist, my doctor who controls my antidepressant dosages (I don't know the title for him =p), a couple other professionals I saw during my most critical point when I was taken out of school for a week in the Spring, and both my parents. Now it seems like a long list just at a glance, but it doesn't include any of my friends.
There's a couple of friends I think I should talk to who are very kind, and good at reading emotions (they happen to be identical twins.), but I don't know exactly how to bring it up. They've helped me multiple times when I've been dealing with some problems, but I don't know how to talk about my suicidal thoughts with them since it's such a big deal.
How should I bring it up with them, and carry the conversation out?
Thanks,
Christine
Answer Hi Christine, first tell them how you appreciate them being there for you in the past. That you really value them as friends. You do not have to go into great details with them. Just say that I trust the two of you more than anyone and I wanted to tell you about a problem I have been having. Then tell them that your doctor put you on some antidepressant medicine for how you have been feeling. If they ask what feelings then tell them you have been depressed and had thoughts of suicide. They might not be as surprised as you might think. Just be honest with them. Many young people have such thoughts and can pinpoint them to some disappointment in their lives. A failed test, an unhappy romance, not making a team, being riduculed by someone, or trouble at home. They may ask you what has been making you feel depressed or wanting to harm yourself. The chances are good they have heard about other kids thinking the same thing.
