about

I am 48 years old (yes that's old compared to some of you).


I have worked in nursing and/or healthcare management positions for 24 years. Primarily OB, Neonatal, Mental Health, Occupational Health and Geriatrics. In Jan 2008 I started my own business to board horses and do equine/human education. I am also a certified dog trainer.


I've been around the block so to speak and seem to be always helping others. I've been told that the reason people seek me out for advice is that I am approachable and caring. But on the same token even though I consider the person's feelings. I tell it like I see it. I've dealt with people in trouble with the law, dysfunctional families such as those with abuse & marriage problems. Not to mention problems with employees and employers.


I don't ever claim to know it all, and always keep an open mind.

advice

my friend rob posted a bulliten on myspace saying that he was suicidal again. and he said that he had a knife and a lighter in his bedroom and he wasnt afraid to use them, he also said that meybe he'd add a rope in to and that he wasnt afraid to kill himself. should i tell someone? if i do, who do i tell? will he hate me? should i talk to him first?
he's a good friend of mine. i dont wanr him to die. please help me.

I know this has been posted a few days ago--so too late to take immediate action. I hope it worked out okay.

However, this information may be able to help others.

It is not logical or practical to ask you to evaluate your friend at this moment to determine if he really WILL commit suicide. How crazy is that? I was upset to see those answers. You were/are obviously concerned and there is evidence that Rob is considering taking his life.

What should have been done is an annoymous call made to the police. The police would most likely intervene and transport him to a professional.

The myspace profile is public so anyone could have done this--he'd never know it was you. Even so it's better that he is mad and still alive than dead. It is also obvious that Rob is asking for help. But the help that should be given is professional help. Oh my gosh I can only imagine how terrible you would feel if you came to the wrong conclusion.

All suicide threats should ALWAYS be taken seriously. Let the professionals decide what the amount of risk is in the suicidal person.

Friend's should not be put in that position.

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(Rating: 5) thank you so much. i know that you are getting feedback very late. but this is a very good answer and i just actually read it. my friend is now in what i would call recovery. he has a counselor and is on medication now. we talk often, and through everything that has happened, we have managed to stay great friends.
this will be helpful to me in the future. if i ever feel suicidal or if someone i know ever does, i'll know what to do. thank you so much for helping me.
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