How do I help my friend?

Question

My friend has had psychopathic thoughts for years now & I've always been meaning to help them by taking psychology when I graduate secondary school next year. But recently, they've been telling me that they don't care about anything anymore & that person had been seriously considering murder and kidnapping - & I could tell that they hadn't been kidding. 

Suddenly, I had this thought of becoming an informant like Orihara Izaya (from the anime 'Durarara!!') and getting myself acquainted with the criminal underground, so that if my friend ever did go off the deep end, I would be able to help them.

The second thought is nothing more than a passing whim, but the short moment that I had seriously considered it would never leave me, because I care about my friend too much to let them attempt something so dangerous alone.

Tell me what should I do?

Answer

Personally, I don't think you should become heavily involved in the criminal underground. I cannot stress how dangerous it is, but I can understand the desire to follow your friend and keep them safe. With that being said, you can't keep them safe and you're in constant danger yourself so my suggestion to you would be to seek professional help on behalf of your friend. It's difficult to approach this situation, with something as serious as this (thoughts of murder, etc) I highly doubt you would like to share your friends identity with a paid psychologist and on top of that it's very expensive to seek mental assistance so as a secondary option I think you should consider help hotlines. Behind the phone call is a person trained in these sorts of issues, they're readily available and you'll be able to remain anonymous without hassle. Another plus would be the fact that they'll be able to help you and ease the situation you're currently in far better than I ever could. I really hope this helped you even somewhat, I wish I could do more. Good luck in the future and be careful no matter what path you opt to take.

Answer

I would consider getting mental help from a psychiatrist or therapist and maybe get some medication for it all and don't get involved with the criminal underground too much because it may go overboard. You should start off by trying to help him myself and if it fails get professional help from someone who has had experience in the matter and they can give you advice and help right away.

How do I help my friend?

Answers (2)