General When To Ignore A Sufferer's Request To Be Alone?

[Iyllsa]

My friend has become very depressed and is starting to talk about death. She wants to be alone and I will respect her wishes. I'm trusting her that she knows what's best for her. I understand wanting to be alone, but I'm worried that if this progresses for too long she'll become too depressed and will isolate herself for too long that it'll start to greatly affect her and it will get to the extreme side of things.

I will leave her alone and I'll check on her, asking her if she ever wants to hang out or if she's got plans with another friend. Of course if I notice she hasn't been spending time with anyone for some weeks and she progresses in those thoughts about death then I'll be more forceful and if she's refusing help from me, doesn't follow up with an appointment with her doctors, then I'll call someone.

But when do you know if your sufferer needs someone to just sit with them?

 

[Iyllsa]

Sorry I was browsing this thread and accidentally wrote it under here but I meant it under the relationship thread.

 

[Justmehere]

What do you mean she is talking about death?

I'd suggest calling a suicide hotline and telling them her specific statements, and asking their opinion about when to take action. If you are worried she will take her own life, let them know what is happening and let them make the decision.

If she wants you to leave her alone, don't keep contacting her as it could be unintentional harassment and "being more forceful" with your contact will likely push her away more. Instead of pushing past any clearly communicated boundaries, talk to the crisis line folks for advice, and let the trained and objective folks there decide if it is time for them to intervene or not.

 

[Iyllsa]

What do you mean she is talking about death?

I'd suggest calling a suicide hotline and telling the...

That's a good idea. Thank you. I didn't know you could call for advice.

 

[BlueOrange]

The MHFA suicide guidelines might also be useful Mental Health First Aid Guidelines | Mental Health First Aid

 

[Deadman]

And don't miss the myPTSD article here - 5 myths (and some truths) about suicidal ideation

 

[Iyllsa]

@BlueOrange @Deadman Thank you both for the articles. As someone who has spent 2-3 years of feeling suicidal, have created plans, and even attempted multiple times I understand this and the dangers of it which is exactly why I'm so scared for my friend. It was nice to re-read those articles and I think they can be used in my language when speaking with my friend. It was really helpful.