How to help a friend...?

Question:

My dear friend is ill, with something that may be chronic fatigue syndrome. He is planning to end his life, because if he were on lifesupport, or the like, he would want me to pull the plug... and he feels there is no chance he will get better and that he will simply be a burden on his friends, family, society, etc. He refuses to go see a doctor to try and get better because hes seen several already, and its "a waste of time and resources" for him to go back. He was thorougly psychologically examined, and nothing was found (about six months ago) but he is incredibly bright, and a mental health professional so he knows how to mask his intent i think. How do i help him get better? I would be devestated, absolutely, if he were to end his life. He means the world to me, and ive told him that but that is not enough for him to hold on to life he says... because his quality of life isnt what it was before.

Answers:
I think it's incredibly selfish of him to want to end his own life. It's the greatest crime, waste, the biggest sin. If you love him, and if his mind wasn't totally screwed, he would live for you. I can't believe anyone would say things like that! I wouldn't know what to do. it's the scariest thing, to hear someone you love telling you that they want/are going to kill themselves. Argue that he doesn't have the RIGHT to kill himself. If he refuses help, it's his own fault. Sometimes, things just have to be out of your hands. Like if he refuses to see help, and he wants to end his own life, he has lost the right to sway his own destiny, and his friends and the people who care about him have to take matters into their own hands, because he won't.

Your friend needs help. I can only suggest that you just be there for him and urge him to get the help that he needs.

All I can say is get him help NOW. He may not like you for it, but at least this friend that you care so much for that you would betray his trust for his well-being to ensure that he lives.

Sorry that you and your friend have so much pain in your lives right now. Chronic fatigue syndrome? Is that a new term for fybromialgia. I feel that your friends chronic fatigue is really depression; with that being said he needs to be re-evaluated by a physician. He also needs to see a psychiatrist if he is talking about taking his own life; do this today call 911 if needed, suicidal thoughts are not taken lightly in most ER's and he may even be admitted to the hospital. Good luck and do as much as you can for him; just remember that is all we can do we are not responsible for the acts of other individuals we can only be there for them.

Is this question for real? If so then get to a therapist fast.

Get his Doctor to recommend a Neuro-therapist or Cognitive therapist.

As a mental health professional he is hardly following his own professions' prescription.

Chronic fatigue syndrome sounds like a "I feel sorry for myself, so take pity on me" self-diagnosis. What you are describing is Chronic Depression.

Doesn't sound like he really wants help. And that is essential to getting better. If you don't acknowledge a problem you can not solve it.

How to help a friend...?

Health Resources