Hatrack River Forum: Friend of Mine Needs Help:

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Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :

My friend of mine is in deep trouble and I have ltitle idea of what to do for him.

He is 17 and lives with his parents. They have -- according to him -- been verbally and rarely physically abusing him for many years now. He wants to see a psychiatrist, but they won't let him. He is sometimes suicidal and has cut himself sometimes.

He is not allowed to leave the house at all because around 5 months ago he did weed.

He is allowed to have visitors, but that will soon be revoked. I have been visiting him every now and then, but I am terrorfied of the killer dogs that his family owns. (They are illegal dogs. They were supposed to be killed, but they were smuggled away to avoid it, then smuggled back.)

What should I tell him? I've been trying to give him advice, but don't have the experience and what not to be valuable. You hatrackers do.

Posted by Lara (Member # 132) on :

Does he still have his senior year ahead of him at school?

Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :

Yes, though it is unsure where he will take it.

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

Maybe give your state child welfare service (they should have some sort of line you can call) and just ASK about what to do in this situations. It isn't reporting anything and they encourage folks to call and ask if something is enough to warrant intervention.

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

If you really think he is in danger, call the National Child Abuse Hotline. They will be able to help you figure out what to do.

Posted by Lara (Member # 132) on :

If you go to the same school, or even if you don't, you could encourage him to talk with a counselor about things. He could also start planning his way out of the house- applying for scholarships or jobs, etc. If he can get focused on a goal, it'll be easier to deal with obstacles in his way.

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

Goals are good, but he definitely needs some mental health services.

Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :

I'd also report the illegal dogs.

Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :

Thanks -- I shall report and ask and do all that [Smile]