Scared of Overdose

[S_V7]

What should one do if a teenage friend or relative is taking large amounts of medication (i.e. 8 pills instead of 2) to self treat things like chronic pain or insomnia (probably due to depression) , without parents knowledge or a doctor’s consideration? And since these people have a rocky relationship with their parents/guardians, telling them may make the situation worse, what shoud I as a concerned friend do?

I have advised against it and stated the risks, but they don’t seem to care, they just want the pain to go away.

 

[Catholic1954]

You should tell a responsible adult, immediately. If parents or guardians are not an option, try a grandparent, older sibling, teacher, priest/minister, drug hotline, ect… This a potentially VERY serious situation, and should be delt with before a trip to the emergency room or worse happens. Don’t worry. Your friend can be sucessfully treated and go on to have a long and happy life, but first they must seek treatment.

 

[Kathrin]

I agree. You need to tell somebody.
You could suggest to your friend to call a hotline together and ask for advice first if you think that might help as a motivation.

I have been in situations where I was extremely concerned about somebody, and I know it can be very very difficult to deal with. especially if you’re somebody who tends to feel very responsible for other people. Don’t let it drag you down and sap you out of energy. Pray and do what needs to be done.

 

[S_V7]

I should add that some of these friends have attempted suicide before, already seen therapists in the past and been on medication but they said it didn’t help.
my friend is catholic and I’m sure this has helped tremendously, but recently doesn’t seem to care since this friend has seriously considered grave sins as a way to ease the pain

 

[stringbeanduck]

I should add that some of these friends have attempted suicide before, already seen therapists in the past and been on medication but they said it didn’t help.
my friend is catholic and I’m sure this has helped tremendously, but recently doesn’t seem to care since this friend has seriously considered grave sins as a way to ease the pain

Best thing for you to do is be good friend. However, you can’t solve their problems or make them embrace the faith. That is up to them whether or not they want to get true help and find the right path. Now like other posters have said, you should tell their guardians or some one of authority if they are putting their lives in immediate jeopardy.

 

[Kathrin]

And pray for them.

By the way, are some of those people people you met online? I am just asking because some years ago I was dealing with a lot of suicidal or possibly suicidal people online.

Kathrin

 

[S_V7]

No, mostly people from school and church.
St. Monican and St. Dymphna please pray for them!

 

[ready]

Talk to the school nurse and tell her somebody at your school is doing this. She’ll give you info you can tell your friend this info, and if your friend still does not respond you can tell your friend you will disclose her name to the nurse. Maybe she’ll stop.