Posted by stjames on November 6, 2000, at 20:10:47
In reply to self-destructive friend--NEED HELP!!, posted by lala on November 6, 2000, at 9:13:17
James here.....
Keep these points in mind....
1) She can't just stop these behaviors, the problems are far beyond behaviors one has any
control over.2) This problem is far beyond what a good friend
can help with. You said you have talked till you are blue in the face and this had no effect. Understand that clearly this is not working and stop wasting your time on this front because it does not work and has a negative effect on you.
This person "sounds like" she is in a manic phase
which means she does not see that anything is wrong and will not as long as she is manic, no matter what.3) The cutting tends to indicate past abuse, ect. Something big. There many be 2 issues here, Bi polar and big time past issues.
What to do ? Hmmm.... tell the family in graphic terms and hold nothing back. If she endangers her life you can call the police. Keep in mind this tends to mean taking one's life and not cutting, in general. Why did she tell you about the cutting ? Deep down she is hurting and wants someone to know, even though on the surface she wants no help. I had a friend tell me how good he was doing with at the same time pulling back his shirt to show me the cutting. If she is in school you could contact the schools mental health services, also.
You do not have to bear this alone, envolve the family. Don't expect her to be happy about this, at all.
james
poster:stjames
thread:48252
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48300.html