Mike, you did the right thing in helping your friend and you should be proud of that.
Last year, while my son was in his second week of his senior year of college, his best friend, who had been his roommate all through college, ended his life. At a time when the guys should have all been happy and having the time of their lives, this young man decided he couldn't take life anymore. He had a condition that caused his muscles to deteriorate and he was on a new medication that helped his pain but caused emotional problems. It was one of those meds that has the suicidal warnings.
My son played video games with him the night before. This young man was an honors student. He was an intelligent person, one who everyone had thought would end up being a CEO someday. No one had seen this coming, not even his mother.
After the shock came anger, then guilt. My son felt there was something he could have done to stop it and there was a lot of guilt for a long time. It was tough for him to go back to school those first few days because they shared the same apartment. But then he came to the realization that his friend wanted to end his own life and there was nothing he could have done to stop it. This friend of yours is crying for help. You are so fortunate that you could step in to help. I don't think you should walk away from him, but you cannot let it take over your own well-being either. If this man really wants to end his life, he will. I'm not so sure he really wants to, but I do agree he needs hospitalization and counseling.
But you've done what a good friend can do. You should take comfort in the fact that you were able to help. I truly wish my son had been in your shoes last September. That very special young man would still be with us today.
I truly hope your friend gets the help he needs to get through this. God Bless.
__________________
Vicki
RNY 11/04/2008
248/139/138
Pre-op/Current/Goal
One more freakin' pound...
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