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How to Help a Friend Who's Hurting Herself


My best friend has been depressed and has started hurting herself. Recently (like last week) she started to try and choke herself. She has been seeing a counselor but not often enough.
 
Her mom also makes fun of her for wearing anything that's black and is just mean to her for being "emo." She used to be able to tell her mom everything now she only trusts her dad, my mom and me. I give her advice and I told to call me when she needs some comfort. I try to do as much as I can but I don't know what else to do. Help!


-13 going on 30

Hey girl,

I'm sorry you're dealing with this sticky sitch. It can be scary when your friends are upset and resort doing serious things like thurting themselves. The best thing you can do for your friend is to tell a trusted adult ASAP. It's good that she's seeing a counselor, that’s a step in the right direction.

Maybe ask her if you can go with her next time she goes to the counselor and make sure she’s telling the counselor the whole story. She could be hiding this from her doc and it seems like things are only getting worse for her. If she doesn't have an appointment soon, tell your school counselor, your mom or trusted teacher. If her parents aren't open to helping her through this, another adult will have to talk to them about the severity of her sitch.

The most important thing? Just let your friend know you're there for her and you love her. Props to you for realizing that this is a serious sitch and wanting to help. You’re a great friend. So, talk to an adult you both know and let him/her lead your friend into the right direction. Hang in there babe!

- Katie S.
 GOT YOUR OWN TOUGH STUFF SITCH? CLICK HERE to submit your own problem to be answered on Girl Talk!   
3/3/2009 7:00:00 AM
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