Help My friend..

Question:

So yes, i have a very good friend. Just today, she came to me telling me that her only way out from her pain and suffering was to end her life. I convinced her to call the hotline immediately and thank god, she did. she is telling me now that everything is okay, like it never even happened. I am happy for her but in some way i still feel like she is not completely healed. Like she is just saying it to please me in some way. So Trevor  darling, is there any way that i could confirm these questions i am having about how she is truly feeling?.. Thank you so much

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Answer:

Hello,

What you did for your friend is great. Your actions show how much you truly care for your friend. If you have second thoughts about her sincerity  you can always make sure your friend knows that she can talk with you if she has any problems or just needs to talk. While calling the Trevor Hotline at  1-866-4-U-Trevor, 24 hours 7 days a week, calling 911, or by going to her nearest hospital, is the best thing she can do if she is ever having or wanting to act out thoughts of suicide. Some other options for available for her if she just needs to talk are a trusted adult like a teacher, principal, parent, or counselor.

If you notice signs of depression such as lack of motivation to do things, sleeping or eating more or less than previously, you’ll want to be there for her, try recommending this site: http://us.reachout.com/ under the section ‘Struggles with feelings.’ There she can learn about depression and help that is available for her. She might also try the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists by calling 215-222-2800 or by visiting their website at www.aglp.org for help in finding someone in her area for her to talk and work with.

Either way, just knowing that she is not alone, and that people will be there for her are good things she can have to help with her depression. While there may not be a way for you to know positively whether she is genuinely feeling good, the best thing you can do is offer your help to her in whatever she needs to get through the hard times. As always you or her can always contact the Trevor Hotline, or for non time sensitive issue please write AskTrevor again. We are here for you and your friend.

Trevor Staff