My friend isn't in a good place and I'm worried.

[Guest_44967030]

We are both 14, she's been a friend of mine for about a year, and she recently told me that I'm her closest friend. She trusts me enough to vent to me and tell me stuff about her mental health. (it could also be because I went through something similar, albeit less extreme) She has been self-harming for a while now, and I've been worried about her for ages, but now it's at an all time high. A few days ago she's messaged me at 12:30 am saying things like "I don't think I was meant to get better", "god, I'm pathetic", "i really need help" and "this is the first time I've cried in a while". She's attempted (more like planned and then didn't follow through) suicide, which makes me feel really scared and upset because I've been trying to help and I just can't. I've never been so depressed that I contemplate doing that. It just breaks my heart that I can't do anything. Any help or advice is welcome.

[Daydreamer70]

Hi there, 

Thank you for writing in. I am so sorry to hear both you and your friend are experiencing this. These are really heavy feelings to be going through at such a young age. I think you first step would be to encourage her to speak with a trusted adult, whether that be a psychologist, her parents or a school counsellor.  If she refuses, then I would say go to a trusted adult yourself and let them know of the situation. It is not your responsibility to resolve these issues for her. She is your friend, but there is only such much you can do without it being harmful to yourself. 

Best of luck with everything. Please feel free to respond and continue the discussion 🙂

Daydreamer 🙂

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Guest,

Welcome to the forums..

You sound like such a beautiful and caring friend, I’m sorry your friend is struggling so much with her mental health….

Is telling or showing her parents the messages she has sent you something you can do?…maybe they are not aware of how she is feeling and they way she is thinking or even self harming…They are her parents and being a parent myself I would want to know so I could help them the best I can…I’m certain her parents would feel the same…

Your friend can ring our hotline to talk to our counsellors anonymously on 1800 224.636…or 

Heaspace which is a children help line on 1800 650 890….and talk things out with them as well….

You, yourself need to look after your mental health the best you can…being there for your friend is very good, but please be also aware of your mental health…helping someone especially a friend can be hard if it brings us down…

My kindest thoughts dear Guest..

Grandy..