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How to help a friend in a mental health crisis?

Posted , 3 users are following.

caroline50055
caroline50055

Hi

I have problems of my own but a good friend is going through a terrible time and he seems to have suddently deteriorated over the last week/few days. I have just spoken to him and he does not want to go out, says he is feeling terrified all the time, is feeling very hopeless and says he cannot cope any more, he has not been working for a while. What should I do? He does not have a CPN nor is he seeing a psychiatrist. Should I inform his GP? I would hate anything awful to happen to him and do think hospitalisation forced or otherwise would make him much much worse particularly as he has anxiety anyway. He is terrified of this and I must say I have been told the wards in the area are awful. He does have me but I cannot be of great support due to my own struggles with anxiety and depression. Maybe contact the GP to get an urgent referral to a psychiatrist? He is not on any antidepressants but these would take a while anyway and he sounds really bad.

Thanks

C

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • nichola91952
    nichola91952 caroline50055

    Posted

    If you have any fear of him hurting himself then absolutely ring his GP or hospital...

    Were I live we have emergency psychiatrist but if he's as bad as u say then they will take him into emergency care.

    Good luck x

  • anxietysite123
    anxietysite123 caroline50055

    Posted

    I lost a friend to suicide. I would reach out to his family if he has any if you're worried. The thing is I know from personal experience, if they don't take the steps on their own to get help, no matter what you do, it won't matter.. Make it a point as much as you can to hang out.. Maybe take food over there and watch a movie. Play cards.. Then gradually talk to him about seeing a counselor or getting on meds.. Let him know you're really worried about him. I never got to tell my best friend how much meant to me or that I would help him no matter what. He always was the strong one and we didn't even know he had depression, that's how well he hid it.. Just make sure he knows how much you care and how much you're willing to help him take the steps to fix his life while working on yours.. Maybe suggest counseling at the same place so he doesn't feel alone going there?
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