Suicide is painless

Oct 06, 2008 03:15

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me_weird October 8 2008, 04:55:18 UTC
How specific are her thoughts? That's a good way to tell if it's teen angst or something deeper. If she says she hates life and wants to die, she's probably better off. If she says she has a bottle of sleeping pills in her room and she's pretty sure a dozen of them will kill her, then you should worry more. Plans are scarier than emotions, for you, because plans mean she's a lot closer to actually doing it.
As for notification, definitely something to consider. I don't know if parents are the best bet - depends on the situation. I for one feel most parents are unequipped to deal with this, so they shouldn't be the only people you tell. School counsellors, the local health department, an adult with training she trusts, 1-800-SUICIDE, these are resources to consider, in addition to her parents.
Honestly, I find that taking it very seriously is the best answer. If it's teenage melodrama, then she'll make that clear. Call someone (1-800-SUICIDE or the local health dept are your best bets since she's not in college) and find out where she can go for counselling. Tell her that you've done this, that you'd like to schedule an appointment, and that you're willing to go with her if she wants you to. I'm sure you'll fill in this conversation with the sort of emotional support she needs. Just make it clear that this is an illness, same as any other, and it has to be treated by a real doctor if she wants it to get better. And if she's not really sick, she'll balk at the idea of actually seeing a shrink.
It's better to overreact. How much would you hate yourself for the rest of your life if she hurt or killed herself and you could have done something to stop it? I've been there. Don't live in fear of that guilt.
Best of luck, and do tell us how it turns out.

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