“Friend is having issues with depression and anxiety?”
I have a friend who is dealing with severe depression, anxiety issues, and PTSD. I noticed her symptoms started to get worse after her break up with her boyfriend in which she taking about profound sadness emptiness talking about being depressed, trouble sleeping, and eating. She also stated that she was a burden on her kids and was a terrible mother and wanting to escape her life and trying to fill the emptiness with another boyfriend. Also, she expressed that she thought about death and not waking up, and recently she stated she no longer wanted to be friends with me because of her feelings. I grew concerned and called EMS knowing she reacted with anger and said she no longer wants to be friends. She is not currently taking any medications she repeatedly said they were not doing anything My question is should I reach out to her doctor and let him or her know my concerns?
Female | 30 years old
Complaint duration: 2 months
Medications: None
Conditions: Severe depression anxiety PTSD
8 Answers
ABSOLUTELY -speak to her therapist with complete confidentiality. Hopefully, her therapist will permit this.
Yes you definitely should reach out to her doctor.
Yes!! You should contact her PCP and let them know asap. Also, there are numerous information if you call 411. They should also be able to help you in these situations. Have her PCP do a referral.
See this article...
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326903
And yes, reach out to her doctor and if that doesn't work, consider calling the Suicide prevention line.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326903
And yes, reach out to her doctor and if that doesn't work, consider calling the Suicide prevention line.
Your friend is fortunate to have you. She seems to be suffering with severe symptoms and it is imperative that you should tell her doctor about your concerns of her symptoms and suffering. She may be angry with you now, but I am sure she will be thankful to you afterwards.
Sure – the doctor is obliged to tell the person that you informed them of the situation, but it seems the right thing to do. I did that myself before I became a psychologist a long, long time ago, and it turned out that I saved the person’s life – they were found by the doctor who went to their house – they were about to jump off a roof with their child. So afterwards, the person immediately told me they were grateful that I had broken my promise (not to talk about their problems with anyone), and remained my friend for the rest of their natural life. Takes courage, but sounds like you have that!
Peace,
Dr. Marian Shapiro
Peace,
Dr. Marian Shapiro
Her doctor might refuse talking to you about one of his/her patients. If you feel she's suicidal, call 911.
This must be challenging for you seeing your friend suffer so much. I do not believe the doctor would likely consult with you on this matter due to confidentiality. However, maybe your friend could use an intervention with a small gathering 2-3 close relationships and see if one objective could be your friend allowing you to join in a doctor visit, that way informed consent and release of information are assumed granted in the session (by virtue of your friend permitting you in their session).
