Friend Needs Help

Re: Friend Needs Help

Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us here at the National Runaway Safeline.
We are so glad that you are being brave enough to look into options for your friend. He sounds like the luckiest person in the world to have someone like you looking out for them. Self harm and suicide are heavy topics to have to deal with and it is obvious that they trust you a lot to tell you about how he has been feeling. It seems like you have been giving your friend support and ideas but he does not seem to want to take any suggestions. One thing that you could suggest to him if you already haven’t is that National Suicide Hotline by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) he will be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.
We recognize that you are going above and beyond for your friend but if things start to change and you feel like he is at risk of hurting himself or anyone else you always have the right to call the police. You can ask that they do a safety check or if needed, they can take him to a mental health care facility for a 72 hour hold.
We want you to know that you both are not alone and that we are here to support both of you. If either want to give us a call we can talk about all options available, we are here 24/7
Looking forward to hearing from you. 1-800-RUNAWAY

My friend needs help extremely badly. He's been thinking about harming himself and suicide. He told me that he has told his parents, but his parent's continue to brush it off and tell him that his suicidal thoughts will pass. I tried to tell him about things he could do to that would help him get the treatment he needs for this, but he continues to blow me off. I told him that it's considered child neglect and, therefore, abuse if his parents deny him psychological treatment. I gave him all of my suggestions, plus the ones that my mom, someone who was a psychology caseworker for several years, told me. I don't know what to do anymore, I just want my friend to get the help he needs and deserves.

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