Hello little rant here! Also seeking some advice.

[LittleBiscut]

Hey Everyone, I am a little exploring my mommy, I have some little friends who have metal health issues, I really want to help them, and care for them. And when they are overwhelmed,but I am finding it hard to do so without getting really stressed or depressed myself. I don’t know how to help someone when they are having a break down other then trying to calm them and help them find little and comforting things to do like. Get their toy and Passi, colour, ect. 
Distracting seems to work for now but what will happen if they hurt themselves? 
If anyone has had a similar situation please. I need some advice on how to help someone who is in a possible self danger. 
 

thank Chu! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[LittleMissMaple]

Mmmmm, this is a tough one but I completely understand how you feel!

In these situations I would make sure that anything they could hurt themselves with, I would ask them to put it somewhere far out of reach until I can calm them down? I have similar emotional breakdowns and I still live with my family for that reason, they have locked everything away so in case I was to have a breakdown like that again I don’t have the means to do anything “silly” . So it definitely would be better for your friends if there was someone physical that they could turn to, just to confide in them and say, “Hey, Im not feeling the best and Im having dark thoughts could you do me a favour and just hide certain things for me?” 
It is certainly a difficult situation to be in 🥹 Trust me babe, I also stress about my friends and bounce off of them as well when Im trying to comfort them and make them feel safe ❤️ You are doing your best and I do believe they would appreciate that greatly

Distractions and comfort are the best thing possible for someone having a breakdown, I vouch for that myself 😅

[Dangerously_Well]

Oh, sweetheart, it sounds like you have such a big and caring heart, and it's wonderful that you want to support your little friends. It's truly admirable that you're trying to help them through their struggles.

It's also completely understandable that you're finding it difficult and that it's taking a toll on your own well-being. It's important to recognize that supporting someone with mental health challenges can be emotionally draining, and it's crucial to prioritize your own self-care.

You're already doing some great things, like trying to calm them and providing little comforts like toys, pacis, and coloring. Distraction can be a helpful tool in the moment.

However, your concern about self-harm is very valid, and it's important to address that directly. Here's some ideas a compassionate and supportive approach:

1. Acknowledge Your Limits:

• It's important to recognize that you are a friend, not a therapist. You can offer support and care, but you are not equipped to handle a mental health crisis on your own.
• It's okay to say, "I want to be there for you, but I'm not a professional, and I'm not sure how to handle this situation if it escalates."

2. If Self-Harm is a Concern:

• Encourage professional help: The most important thing you can do is to encourage your friends to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
• Have open communication: Talk to your friends about your concerns and let them know that you care about their well-being.
• Develop a safety plan (if appropriate): If you're comfortable, you could discuss creating a safety plan with your friends. This might include:
  • Identifying warning signs
  • Listing coping strategies
  • Having a list of emergency contacts (crisis hotlines, mental health professionals)
• Know emergency resources: Familiarize yourself with local crisis hotlines and emergency contact information.
• Set boundaries: It's okay to set boundaries for yourself to protect your own mental health. You don't have to be available 24/7, and it's okay to take breaks from supporting your friends if you need to.

3. What You Can Continue to Do:

• Be a good friend: Continue to offer a listening ear, a safe space, and little comforts. Your support is valuable.
• Validate their feelings: Let your friends know that their feelings are valid and that you care about them.
• Offer distractions: Coloring, watching movies, and snuggling with stuffies can be helpful in the moment.
• Encourage self-care: Remind your friends to prioritize their own well-being and engage in activities that bring them joy and comfort.

4. Protect Yourself:

• Seek support for yourself: It's important to have your own support system. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about the challenges you're facing.
• Set boundaries: It's okay to set boundaries in your friendships to protect your own mental health. You don't have to take on the responsibility of solving your friends' problems.
• Take breaks: It's okay to take breaks from supporting your friends if you need to. You can't pour from an empty cup.

It's truly admirable that you want to help your friends. You're a kind and compassionate person. Just remember to prioritize your own well-being and encourage your friends to seek professional help when needed. You're doing a great job, and it's okay to ask for help and set boundaries.

[-Soul-]

@Dangerously_Well well put! Thank you for sharing 
 

[Little kaiya]

If someone is having a mental health crisis to the point they are at risk of self harm then the situation has progressed beyond support from a friend. I've done trauned and specualized crisis work in suicide and depression for over 25 years. It is admirable that you want to help but calming someone down and distracting them is not a substitute for proper professional care and treatment.

In addition, crisis intervention is not something to be taken lightly or done without proper training. I've seen too many volunteers who aren't ready intervene in severe cases and pay a very brutal personal mental health cost. 

For your safety and theirs, encourage them to get proper care and treatment.

[LittleBiscut]

Thank Chu everyone, i will keep this in mind they have used word like I want to die so ill make sure to have something like hotline in place next time, I offered a call but they declined. So I’ll do that thank Chu!!! 🤗🤗🤗

[Little kaiya]

Depending on where you are in the world I can provide you with some excellent resources to share with them.