bjob@alice.UucP (Barbara J. Orlando-Bimmler) (03/06/86)
In article <120@phoenix.UUCP> jevans@phoenix.UUCP (Janet Evans) writes: >A very good friend has been depressed for a while (he mentions it >occasionally). Tonight he asked me for help, and I know dangerously little >about the subject (i.e. I'm as likely to steer him wrong as I am to help him, >and I don't want to screw things up further). Two questions: Can anyone point >me to specific texts/papers on the subject (that either of us should read), >and can anyone make any suggestions about the specific problem (described >below)? Thanks. Glad you're trying to be careful. It's easy to make a mistake. Zions's advice is dead wrong: >I suggest you steer your friend to the Student Counseling Service or its >counterpart on campus. If none exists, the Health Service (or counterpart) >should be of assistance. Don't pay any attention to this guy! Student counseling services are always trying to prevent suicide; this obviously isn't what you want. >If you have a peer counseling group on campus, I suggest you not steer your >friend to them. This might work; some groups are sensible... >Empathy is a large part of counseling. ... but not all of them. I'd say help him yourself. Some of Zions's advice is fine: >I also hope you will be careful with yourself when trying to help your friend. >Counseling depressed people is a very draining and depressing thing in and of >itself; if you do decide to help this person on your own, be sure to take care >of yourself as well. That is, be sure to buy two shells for the shotgun. >Good luck and be careful. Don't hit any passersby. BJO-B