First off I'd like to start by saying I'm 14, and my friend, who is depressed, is 14. I've known this boy since we were 8, after first meeting him in an online game, and I know he's changed since then. Over the past 2-3 years he's slowly been getting more and more depressed, I've offered him support, I've listened to him for hours just venting to me, and now he's talking about killing himself. I've told him countless times to tell someone, but he won't listen to me! I can't contact his parents, or anyone else he would know because I'm on the opposite side of the country from him, I've found free online counselling rooms, and various telephone numbers so he could vent to someone over the phone, and remain anonymous, but he just won't listen to me! Please, I need answers, I don't want to lose him, he's one of the best friends I've ever had and I love him.
Q: My friend I know over the internet is depressed, what do I do?
Hi there
Can you tell us what his reservations are about calling someone? Would he ever want to come to this site?
I just wrote a post today about this very topic which you can read here.
I am wondering if NAMI could help in some way:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Phone: 800.950.NAMI (800.950.6264)
Maybe give them a call and ask for suggestions. I would keep writing writing to your friend...keep giving him information and tell him that there is hope...he can feel better. You are a very good and caring friend.
Let us know if there is anything else we can do. Thank you for reaching out here.
Hi, there - I'm sure you're really scared right now, worrying about your friend. It sounds like you've been a very good friend to him and have done everything you can. Do you know his address and/or telephone number? Do you know the names of his parents or anyone else in his life that you could contact? How about talking to your own parents about what to do, would that be possible? If nothing else, it might help if you called one of those crisis lines yourself and I'm going to list some numbers here:
HotLine Numbers
to get help (1-800-273-TALK (8255)
1800-784-2433
1800-799-4889
Of course, you don't want to lose your friend, but should that happen, please remember that you did everything you possibly could and that it's not your fault. Don't be afraid of making him angry if you tell someone, he can get over that. You'd probably rather have him be angry than dead, right? I hope you'll write back and let us know how things are going - you need support, too.
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