I came across this question

I noticed a friend of mine posted a question online just recently and didn't know how to reply but really wanted to say something. I'll paste below what he wrote so you may see what I'm talking about.


I drive myself crazy?
I'm afraid of people. I feel everyone dislikes me and when dealing with me puts up a front but I feel they would hurt me if they had the chance. That people driving by might have a gun and shoot as they go by. Maybe I'm paranoid, I can't leave a drink unattended and drink it later, as I think someone might have put poison or glass or something in it. I shop late at night/early in the morning at stores that are open 24 hours so I don't have to be around a lot of people. I have some things that others might find odd that I do, as I myself think them odd, but yet I still have to do them or I know that something bad will come of not doing it. My mind it always going and I get these horrid thoughts that keep coming to my mind of things happening to me. Some of these thoughts have actually happened. I see things out of the corners of my eyes, insects, rats, animals, etc. that when I look directly at are not really there. My mind holds arguments with itself about some of the silliest things. Friends and family have called me cold, as I don't seem to be very emotional, which I don't see as being true as I love my family very much but I guess they don't think I show it as much as I feel it inside. There are times I get angry for no reason at all. Nothing actually makes me mad or triggers it, I just get really mad. I have no want to do anything, but want to to get my mind off being so angry and get myself calm again. I usually end up pacing and very rarely I yell or get into an argument. I don't like fighting so even when I get angry like that I try to avoid others so I don't get into one. None of this is really new, some of it has remained since I was younger and some of it has just seemed to get worse as I get older. I talk to friends and family but they just agree with me, or tell me that I'm fine and that most of this is coming from stress or just shrug it off and tell me it'll be alright. I used to see someone when I was younger but my parents couldn't afford for me to keep going and I don't work so I can't afford to see anyone now. Is there some place online that I might look into that has information that might help me? I'm not asking to be judged, I just want information on taking a step towards helping myself. Thank you for your time.

What can I say to him that would be helpful to his situaution? I know how he is and must say I'm surprised he came online and posted the question. He usually keeps things to himself, but now it seems maybe it's bothering him more and now he's reaching out? Is lending an ear to listen not what he needs now? Any suggestions?

[cheshchesh819]

do you know what has caused your friend to feel like this,it must be something that has happened in his life that has harboured in him,he sounds very anxious scared and aloneand afraid to be around people,what ever has happened has made him angry and frightened and paranoid this really do need speaking about to someone who can listen without jugding,or shrugging it off what has happened is very real to your friend and he needs alot of support,good luck to you,you sounds like a good friend to have around.

[myenzoorka]

You should definitely try to let your friend know you are there for him.  But you should be there for him without judgment and with the knowledge that it may be inconvenient to you to help with such a burden.  He definitely doesn't need someone who intends to help only until they find something better to do (I am not implying this is the way you are - just a warning that it can get VERY overwhelming).  Since he is not working, he should be able to find psychiatric/psychological help that is free, or at least charges on a sliding fee scale.  You can help by finding out information for him so he can set up an appointment - possibly even seeing if he would be eligible for Medicaid.  He, most likely, would benefit greatly from getting professional help with his issues.

[jul04]

I agree that your friend needs professional help.  I am not sure where you live but here in the U.S. he probably is eligible for free help.  I would check out the local hospitals and see what kind of pscyhiatric help they offer.  Alot of them have support groups that are free to attend and programs where he can receive help from psychatrists.

Being a friend is what you need to do and I agree with myenzoorka it is going to take alot to get him through this.  So if you are going to help him you have to be committed to doing so.

Please reassure him that he can get better but it is going to take time and work to get there.  He needs to know that there is hope and help out there for him.

I hope he gets better soon.  I think you are a good friend for being so concerned for his well being.  Good luck to both of you.  Please keep us posted on his progress....