jeff (02/19/83)
re Lady Arwen & suicide intervention.. Yes, you did exactly the right thing. Your friend was lucky you were there to pick up on the message everybody else was so scrupulously avoiding. Funny thing about us humans - it's hardest for us to respond to others when they most desperately want it. Give yourself a pat on the back for responding to someone who was having a hard time asking for something she wanted. Hard also for us to meet them halfway. We have some pretty heavy-duty rules governing Things You Don't Talk About. Things like death. Especially suicide. So if you're thinking of killing yourself, you'll find it very difficult to get anybody else talk about it. Not that people around you don't *know* what's going on. They just don't know how to respond. I'm glad you fought the rules and did something. Interesting that you mention her cheerfulness upon returning from the hospital. That's a classic danger sign. When someone's been quite depressed for a long period and then miraculously snaps out of it, it's time to act fast. This is likely to be your final clue that a decision has been made. Jeff Stearns ...!decvax!microsoft!fluke!jeff John Fluke Mfg. Co., Everett WA. (206) 356-5064