Alex's Answer
I’m worried about my friend who has multiple diagnoses as things seem to be getting worse for them
Your Question
I’m worried about my friend. They suffer from anxiety, autism, ADHD and depression. I guess I’ve always been worried, but now things are getting worse for them. They tried to run away once and they aren’t concerned about getting hurt. In fact, it’s almost as if they want to get hurt because they’re so sad. There was a point where they started cutting, but I quickly told an adult and they stopped. But this morning they sent me a text containing a photo of them with a blue stripe on their left cheek and the word “Sorry”. I’m really scared, because they’re my closest friend.
Answer
Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex.
It seems like there is a lot going on for both you and your friend at the moment. You say you are really worried about your friend as you believe they have started to cut again, and you also think they aren’t worried about their own safety and it’s as though they want to get hurt.
We understand it can be difficult to talk about what’s going on for you, so thank you for reaching out to us. It seems like you are a great friend and a kind and caring person as you are looking at how to support your friend who is going through a difficult time.
You mentioned that when they started cutting before, you told an adult. We feel that this is a really good thing to do, to be able to talk to an adult that we trust. Would you be able to share your concerns again with an adult you trust? This could be a parent, coach, youth worker or another family member.
You could also ask if your friend wanted to reach out and talk to someone. There are some organisations, such as Pieta House (https://www.pieta.ie/) or the Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=ireland), that offer free and confidential support over the phone or via chat. These organisations support people who may be suicidal, self-harming or having thoughts of harming themselves. Pieta can be contacted by freephone on 1800 247 247 or text to 51444. The Samaritans can be contacted by phoning 116 123.
You say that you are feeling really scared by all this so it’s important that you get the support you need at this time too. We would be happy to listen to how you are feeling, and help you explore your feelings around what is going on for you. You can contact Childline by phone on 1800 666 666, text 50101 or through online chat at www.childline.ie. Our listening service is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and is free, confidential and non-judgemental. You could also find some advice and information on https://www.childline.ie/friends/.
We hope that you’ve found this answer helpful, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Take care,
Alex