no contact from friend

LegacyUser

I don't know how to handle a situation with a friend. I have been really down and I was feeling suicidal this week. I confided in my friend about this and they immediately made me promise that I'd go see a professional and were almost rushing to get away from me, saying that they weren't qualified to deal with it. I have been to my GP and I am getting help but it hurts that my friend has avoided me since - it's been a couple of days and I was surprised that they didn't even ask if I was OK. They were right to push me into getting professional help but it hurts that they didn't even text to ask how I got on. I don't know whether I should just contact them and say that things are getting better to avoid the situation where I don't hear anything and feel like an attention seeking idiot.

emilyjmc

First of all well done on speaking to your doctor, it takes guts to speak up and get the help you need.
Having been in a similar situation I think you friend is feeling scared for you and uncomfortable with how to handle the situation. Hearing someone you care about tell you that they don't want to be alive, and are thinking of ending things or have already tried to is extemely difficult to handle.
I'd suggest reaching out again and say thanks for your advice the other day, I took it and think things are improving - this could be the step that allows your friend to get back in touch again with you. They are probably afraid to say the wrong thing that would make you feel worse.
Good luck! I hope things continue to get better for you.

LegacyUser

I've a friend who told me recently that they had been suicidal several years ago. I just sat there dumbfounded and said nothing as my brain attempted to process this information. It freaked me out once I had time to digest this information and it still bothers me a bit.

So in answer to your question, try not to feel hurt by your friend's reaction. Some of us genuinely find it difficult to deal with bombshells like this. I don't see there any harm in you sending a short text thanking your friend for their advice, that you've gone for help and things are going well

I hope you're feeling better now. Fair dues to you for going to seek help.

LegacyUser

I appreciate both your advice, thanks. I hadn't thought that much of the impact on my friend and that makes sense about them feeling scared of saying / doing the wrong thing. I think a short text would be the best thing just to break the ice again as I don't want to lose my friend. I'm going to be getting counselling so it's not like I am looking to my friend to sort out my life or anything.

I appreciate the good wishes - I'm seeing my GP again tomorrow just so they can check in with me and talk properly about all the options like medication, reducing stress etc.