How do I help

[How_do_I_help]

Hi there. I'm not sure what forum to join or where I should be looking for help. My best friend is at his wits end and is bottling everything up. He is so highly strung it's like he's a volcano about to erupt and I'm worried that he feels like he can't turn anywhere for help. He doesn't speak up about many things because when he does those closest to him turn things around as if it's his fault and he gets blamed so he's given up even trying to speak his mind and just lets everything slide. It's building up more and more inside him. He has tried to talk to psychologists but finds they don't help. Is there anything I can do or suggest to him that could help?

[james1]

Hello there,

It is nice to hear you are trying to be there for your friend. It sounds like he's in a bad place with those close to him.

I wonder what he found unhelpful about his visits to the psychologist. Sometimes it can just be a bad fit, but sometimes as well we can go into these sessions expecting to be healed by them. Instead, it's much more a case of them facilitating the healing process or even guiding it.

As a friend, I would probably suggest that you are there to support him and listen to what he has to say. It sounds like he has nobody to talk to, so between listening to his thoughts and emotions, and supporting him as he tries to find professional help, I think you are doing all you need to do.

James

[Scout28]

Hi there

As someone who suffers from pretty nasty depression, anxiety and anger, I could not have gotten as far as I have without those 1 or 2 friends like you sound like you are to your friend. Knowing that my friends are there if I need them even just to text in the middle of the night or day it an enormous relief. Keep giving him small reminders that you are there

[Scout28]

aaaand I will just finish that post before I hit "post" this time.. sorry.

I was just going to say that by sending a funny text from time to time even just a meme will just keep those lines of communication open. Also dont be afraid to share your day to day challenges and vent to him when you need to. Having my friends come to me for help has allowed me to trust them more with my problems and also boosted my confidence with problem solving. Just a thought. Take it or leave it. Good luck, you sound like a good friend.

Scout28