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From: pamp@bcsaic.UUCP (pam pincha)
Newsgroups: net.suicide
Subject: Re: underlying cause(s) of suicide
Message-ID: <438@bcsaic.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 23-Jan-86 13:10:47 EST
Article-I.D.: bcsaic.438
Posted: Thu Jan 23 13:10:47 1986
Date-Received: Mon, 27-Jan-86 03:10:39 EST
References: <2557@pucc-h> <290@unirot.UUCP>
Reply-To: pamp@bcsaic.UUCP (pam pincha)
Organization: Boeing Computer Services AI Center, Seattle
Lines: 25
Keywords: don't dance around the issue
Summary: 

In article <290@unirot.UUCP> pooh@unirot.UUCP (Pooh) writes:
>I agree with Jeff that one of the best things you can do for
>a potentially suicidal friend is to be there for him and take
>the initiative in showing you care.
>
>Another thing you can do, if you suspect he's thinking of killing
>himself, is to come out and ASK.  Don't be afraid.  Sometimes a
>suicidal person is waiting for a friend who can say the words that
>he can't get out.  If he's not thinking about it, great, and no
>harm done.  If he is, this can be a good chance to let him talk
>about his feelings BEFORE they fester into something that has to
>be acted upon.


I also agree with this discussion-- especially the aspect about
being there and giving big,long hugs. I know that during the
times that I was the furthest down one of my biggest problems
was that there was no one to hug or to hug back (Teddy Bears
help but even they aren't enough.). The craving for a simple
human toch was unbearable at times, and seemed to futher the
feelings of self-doubt and hate. You'd be suprised just
how much it helps. (Really, that Dr.Leo Buscalia (sp?) is on
the right track with his "hug therapy".) 

P.M.Pincha-Wagener