[kapchamp]

I went to a camp this summer for a month before my senior year. I made good friend there, and it turns out we live close to each other. Despite this, I had only talked to her once since we left. Today, she called me. She was in tears, and she told me that her mom threw her out of her house, and she got her hair cut. She told me that she didn't want to do anything stupid, and she didn't know who else to call. I told her to not worry and to sleep on it. She then said that it wouldn't matter anyway.
Any idea what this means? What I should do?

PS: She also told me about how she was raped by her uncle as a kid, and how she was anorexic.

Thanks for reading and helping a stranger with his problems.

[zxcirce]

She probably shouldn't be alone right now. If you're willing to, I'd call her back and try to get her to talk. If she continues to hint about suicide, as it seems she was doing, you have every right to call 911 to get her to a hospital.

[Ronni_W]

I'm guessing that you're concerned she may be suicidal? Until she asks for help (not just tells her sad life story to you), do not do anything.

If it's in your belief system, I'd be praying to never hear from her again. Hopefully, she will leave you alone but, if not, do not get dragged into her mess. It's not your responsibility or obligation to make yourself available for that. It's a bad news situation.

Her childhood trauma, and current family issues and eating disorder and any mental health issues she may have are NOT your problem. Don't make them your problem, don't take them on as your problem. Suicidal thoughts are impulses just like any other thoughts. We each have the power to act on them...or not. So don't take that on, either.

***IF*** she directly asks for your help, tell her to call 911. Tell her firmly that that will be the best thing for her...that she deserves more help than you have to offer. You really cannot help her more than she is willing to help herself.

I'd really recommend that you leave it at that. But
***IF*** you want to get any more involved, I would strongly suggest that you limit your involvement to helping her get to an emergency department or any local crisis centre. Again, only after she's specifically asked for help and if she won't, for whatever reason, call 911 herself.
And then leave her in good hands and just walk away. Take every part of yourself out of the picture...your thoughts, emotions, wishes, fears...all of it and just go home. (((hugs)))

EDIT: Please note: People who are suicidal need professional care...if you are trained to deal with that, then go ahead and be the one. Otherwise, it really is in HER best interest for her to make the call to 911 or a suicide crisis line immediately.

[kapchamp]

She sounded like she was better towards the end. She started to come to her senses, and I don't think she did anything stupid. Even still, I feel bad because I have no idea what to say in that kind of situation. I mean, what do you say to something like that?

Anyway, thanks for replying. I wasn't really worried about her committing suicide by the end of the phone call, but I still felt bad because I had no idea what to do.

[Mary3]

If she is directly telling you she wants to die , you can call 911 and tell them where she lives ( if you know )

If she tells you she feels like dying , believe her at that moment.

If your friend is * better * today , it does not make it all okay.

She needs help . Soon .

Please try and find out on your own if you will , the suicide hotline and any pertinent numbers. ..........Call the SH or call 911 yourself if you think she may try this again.

This is serious.