How To Help A Friend

[80s Child]

This is the place for when your friend is in need, and you're wondering how you can help them. You can also post advice to others on how to deal with friends in need.

"offical" status removed

[tootrickyforyou]

My best friend in the whole world moved in January.  I was sad to see her go, but for more than one reason.  She gets abused by her dad.  The state she used to live in knew about it, and they had gone to check on her, but the new state she lives in doesn't.  I don't know how to help her, we're so far away .  I'm really worried about her too.  Can someone please help me with this?

[iNsAnE.cAnAdIaN]

My friend is in the hospital for attempting to kill herself...again. I am really worried about her. She also cuts ALOT....I always talk to her and stuff and try to make her feel better but I know that its not going to help her get better...I really love her and I miss her lots. PLEASE help me. PLEASE.

*iNsAnE*

[Shrubby]

I just learned that a friend of mine is bulimic, but I didn't learn this from her. I'm not supposed to know, but I'm worried about her. I'm not sure if we have classes together, and she probably gets preached to by a million others, but I want to help her. She doesn't throw up breakfast, just lunch and dinner. Thanks!

[Audrey]

The Wilted Rose: If she's your true best friend, call up an abuse hotline, and tell them this. They should be able to help you out.

Insane: Just tell her she's loved, and pray. That's all you can do in situations like this. I know you feel helpless. I'll pray too.

What A Weirdo: Tell her she's beautiful and thin and that you're jealous, even if you're not. It will blow up her self esteem. Take her out to dinner sometime, and make sure she doesn't throw it up and maybe just talk to her. It will help.

I know it's a bit late for my advice but I still hope I helped.

[80s Child]

Audrey: I know your advice is well-meaning, but it's actually very wrong and could be very dangerous. To start off with, mentioning jealousy can foster ideas of competition, which can trigger her to become worse. Also, forcing her to eat and not throw up will likely make her run in the opposite direction, and do worse things to herself (i.e. overexercising, taking laxatives etc.).
What a Weirdo: Do her parents know? If they don't, you may have to tell them for her, especially if she's still a minor. Encourage her to talk to a school counsellor, who can refer her to someone else for help. *hugs* good luck sweetie.