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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on April 11, 2003, at 13:49:23
I am severely Depressed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I am suicidal, but I won't do anything until my youngest is out of High School (3 1/2 years). Even though my plan is for a long way off, I feel really badly.
I have 3 close friends, who all have mental illnesses. I need some support from one or more of them, but I don't know how to ask. I'm afraid that a discussion will dredge up feelings that they don't want to remember. I'm afraid that they are too fragile. One is really good at setting limits (I am hoping to learn from her!), and is really busy right now. I've started talking with the first two. They have given me simplistic responses (I said "This morning was rough, but I'm doing a little better now", she said "I'm glad you are OK now") and haven't asked for any details of what "rough" was.
I can't call my therapist, much of the problem is an issue that she and I are working on, plus we are trying to make me less dependent on her.
So how do I decide whether I can burden my friends with my pain? 2 have attempted suicide in the last 6 months. I don't want to send them back there. And once I decide, what do I say?
Thanks for your help.
Posted by justyourlaugh on April 11, 2003, at 17:50:10
In reply to How do I ask for help?, posted by fallsfall on April 11, 2003, at 13:49:23
hi,
if you are looking for help why cant you be dependant on your therapist?
i dont know if talking about"your plan"to your friends ,may trigger them aswell?
it sounds like you have a good bunch of friends who will be understanding.
i know someone who uses an online pdoc(no payment or sole passing).
it is very hard to ask for help..it doesnt mean we are week...we are clever...
good luck..
post again
peace
jyl
Posted by noa on April 11, 2003, at 18:12:15
In reply to How do I ask for help?, posted by fallsfall on April 11, 2003, at 13:49:23
How about a therapy group or support group?
Posted by white rabbit on April 11, 2003, at 19:09:38
In reply to How do I ask for help?, posted by fallsfall on April 11, 2003, at 13:49:23
I think you should go to NAMI for help (formally known as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). They have over 1000 chapters and offer support groups and education for people with psychiatric disorders and their families. Check out www.nami.org.
-Gracie
Posted by fallsfall on April 13, 2003, at 8:05:27
In reply to Re: How do I ask for help?, posted by white rabbit on April 11, 2003, at 19:09:38
Thank you for your responses. Having people thinking of me was really helpful. I'm doing a little better now. I did go see one of my friends. I didn't tell her I was suicidal, but we talked about what was bothering me. I talked to another friend online and that helped, too.
I do belong to a support group (actually two of them). I think that I am realizing that I have people around who can help, but I'm not able to let them know that I need help. Either I don't want to bother them, or I'm afraid that I'll upset them, or I'm afraid that I'll upset _me_ by talking about it out loud. Being able to call for help online seemed easier, and was a good way to put my toe in the water.
Thanks!
This is the end of the thread.
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