Worried for an acquaintance

LegacyUser

An acquaintance of mine has been leaving quite disturbing messages on Facebook recently about his current mental state and his current situation- calling out the 'people who haven't been there for him' and the likes.
I woke up this morning and he has posted another status saying ' this is all too much..'.
He hung out with a group of friends I have for a couple of months a couple of summers ago. Bar that short time I don't know him at all.
I've made a couple of enquiries to people who know him well and apparently he does have previous in this 'attention seeking' as one put it.
However, I can't help but feel concerned for the fella.
I'm finding it increasingly difficult to just ignore it and am wondering if anyone can tell me if there is an organisation I can direct to this guy, or who I could direct this guy too?

Tenigate

Use this link: https://m.facebook.com/help/contact/305410456169423?refid=69

Personally I'd block the guy too.

Rekop dog

I'd agree with the attention seeker comments. Unfortunately those who genuinely tend to harm themselves are more prone to bottlling things up and youd often never know there was anything wrong.

njs030

Why is harming themselves the only thing people seem to care about?
Perhaps he's lonely and yes, wants attention. Is that such a bad thing? Maybe he's in a bad place and is reaching out for help and doesn't know any other way to do it.

It's quite sad that even with all the mental health awareness in this country it's still a case of "he's just looking for attention" block him. Rather than wondering why he's acting like that and working out what he needs be it helping him get to a doctor to get onto anti depressants or to see a psychiatrist etc.
People who are happy and health don't just "seek attention" for no reason and we really need to change this attitude.


There is links in stickys at the top of this page you could send on and that might be enough to help him.

LegacyUser

notjustsweet wrote: »

Why is harming themselves the only thing people seem to care about?
Perhaps he's lonely and yes, wants attention. Is that such a bad thing? Maybe he's in a bad place and is reaching out for help and doesn't know any other way to do it.

It's quite sad that even with all the mental health awareness in this country it's still a case of "he's just looking for attention" block him. Rather than wondering why he's acting like that and working out what he needs be it helping him get to a doctor to get onto anti depressants or to see a psychiatrist etc.
People who are happy and health don't just "seek attention" for no reason and we really need to change this attitude.


There is links in stickys at the top of this page you could send on and that might be enough to help him.

OP here. Your sentiment echoes my feelings and I find it very hard to stomach the attention seeker label and just forget about it.

I sent on one of those links and reported one of his posts.
However, there have been a couple of positive posts since so I am relieved and less concerned this morning.
Thanks.

BetsyEllen

Maybe you could pop him a message too and ask if he'd like to go out for a drink one night?

He might just need a friend.
Loneliness is an awful thing.

sashafierce

This post has been deleted.

Mr. Incognito

Block him

Attention seeking idiot.

LegacyUser

I had popped him a message a few weeks ago. As have many judging by comments on his statuses.
Question was re an organisation- that has been answered.
Not looking for judgement, just for help. Thanks all. Can mods please lock thread.

Airyfairy12

Ignore the 'block him' and 'attention seeking' comments. From experience most people who make those remarks when someone reaches out for help or talks openly about whats going on with them are the same people that run darkness into light marathons and share mental health awareness posts on their facebook. Ireland has a current obsession with displaying an image of promoting positive mental health and encouraging sufferers to speak to someone, yet when someone in the depths of mental illness tries to reach out they're judged, labeled and ignored.
Id also avoid simply directing him to a suicide number as he'll be met with a condescending inexperienced/unqualified volunteer that will repeat his sentences back to him like a broken record potentially leaving him even more frustrated and hopeless.

You can help someone while also protecting yourself and keeping your boundaries in place. Avoid getting sucked into any toxic drama or negativity, dont become a sounding board for his issues or his punching bag but you can be a friend by reaching out, sending him a message asking how he is and meeting him for coffee or a pint. You can be a positive influence in this situation.

Emme

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

Ignore the 'block him' and 'attention seeking' comments. From experience most people who make those remarks when someone reaches out for help or talks openly about whats going on with them are the same people that run darkness into light marathons and share mental health awareness posts on their facebook. Ireland has a current obsession with displaying an image of promoting positive mental health and encouraging sufferers to speak to someone, yet when someone in the depths of mental illness tries to reach out they're judged, labeled and ignored.

I agree with this 100%. Irish people are great for putting on a compassionate front but when somebody comes to them for help they are told to get on with it, pull themselves together and cope or worse again people will kick them when they are down. No wonder we have such a drink problem in this country.

Somebody I knew posted strange messages on Facebook and took her own life the day after she did it. She was a lovely person, not accusing or angry like the OP's acquaintance but messages like that could be a sign the person is in danger.

Perhaps you could advise this person that there is no point in wasting energy on people who weren't there for him. I have found that the best way to deal with such people is to cut them off and move on.