Re: A bit off topic.......but
Submitted by Ben on June 12 1999 at 20:57:46
In reply to A bit off topic.......but Submitted by Don on June 12 1999 at 19:24:01
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Don - I'm neither a therapist nor a minister, so my thoughts are to be taken with a grain of salt. Two comments come to mind: a) If he is really strong in his faith and loves God, it is hard to believe that he would hurt himself. Does he really understand and believe that God loves him and that God would do ANYTHING for him? Does he understand that by hurting himself he is making God sad? If he really believes that he is God's creation, then he would treat that creation with love. If his belief is only superficial then perhaps you can help him. b) Depression rarely comes in a vaccuum. Talking about depression is probably not really what can help him. Instead, talking about the root of it, the underlying reason for his depression is more likely to help him. One of the best ways that I know to get someone to talk about something so sensitive is do open up yourself. When you talk about your own emotions and sensitive subjects and then say, "Do you ever feel that way?", you make it much more desireable for him to talk. Hope this can help some. You are not alone 
Ben |