[citation][nom]JMcEntegart[/nom]The problem is that a lot of people don't actually know how to deal with someone who's feeling that way. These counselors have years of experience and know what to say, and, more importantly, what *not* to say. I agree that people posting this kind of stuff on Facebook are crying for help/some kind of intervention from friends and family, but it's a very delicate situation and it scares a lot of people. If any one of my close friends divulged these kinds of emotions in a Facebook message, I would feel completely helpless. Obviously not to the point where I wouldn't at least try and help them through it, but I would be very freaked out and worried that something I say or do might make the problem worse.[/citation]
It's important to keep things in perspective. Life is transient, and everyone will die. The whole death thing is not a matter of if, but when. Also, you have to have faith that the Universe will unfold as it should, and any force that would give us stupid humans any real say in anything important would have to be insane. It might seem important, but in the overall scheme of thing, everything will turn out as it should. The graveyards are full of irreplaceable people, as the saying goes.
But, more to the point, unless you're completely inept, and I'm sure you are not, someone close can be very helpful if they are not afraid to be, and have faith in their ability. Humans are basic creatures, with basic needs, and we all understand them. Because you're close to them, you aren't going away when you get off the phone, and that's important, because, being primates, humans are not fond of being alone, or feeling alone. Also, I'm sure you know that if you can get someone to laugh, everything after that gets much easier. Empathy is important, and a gift (and curse) but even without it, common sense can still be helpful. Make someone feel less alone, give them a greater perspective (by using yourself as an example of how insignificant we are), give at least the impression you understand, and be willing to work on them with the problem, and you'll have a pretty good chance of success. If not, the Sun will still be fusing hydrogen tomorrow, that person will be somewhere else, and Universe will unfold as it should. If we do our best, normally good things will happen, but not always. When they don't, it's just not how it was supposed to be.
Also, a pet can make a HUGE difference in someone's life, especially a baby (kitten or puppy). Something dependent takes our minds off ourselves, and on the dependent creature. When it's a cute cat (yes, I'm partial to felines) that snuggles up, starts purring and falls asleep, you have another reason to stay on the Earth, and feel a lot less lonely. Plus, you'll probably have less problems with mice
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