What does it Mean When

[grandmoon]

someones says that "they are in a very dark place"  ??

Are they suffering from a Mental Illness or is it a Depression they are suffering from. ?

[bright.ton42]

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@grandmoon wrote:

I would like to help her if I could find out what to do.

She at time stresses out and is stressing the people around her out as well.

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I would try asking her how you can help, and be prepared to listen.  Sometimes it can be a big help if people in a dark place feel they have a supportive ear. 

[the_great_she_elephant]

There is a technique I was taught when I did some voluntary work with Palliative Care. It is called "Reflective Listening." It means affirming (reflecting back) what people are saying - letting them know that you have heard what they are trying to tell you.

For instance, if your friend says "I'm in a very dark place," you say something lke "it sounds as if things are really bad for you at the moment." This tells them you have 'heard' them and ivites them to tell you more.

Often when people are struggling, they are not really  looking for advice - just empathy.  Knowing that someone is there for them, not judging,  but simply acknowledging their pain, can make all the difference and give them the confidence to'unburden' themselves. And the more people feel empowered to talk about their problems the easier it is for them to come to acknowledge their needs and seek help. 

[Anonymous]

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@grandmoon wrote:

someones says that "they are in a very dark place"  ??

Are they suffering from a Mental Illness or is it a Depression they are suffering from. ?

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either or or both grandmoon ,if you are really worried ask them if they are thinking of harming themselves .

if the answer is yes ..it is to be taken seriously and classed as an emergency !

and what L.T said

goodluck !

[spotweldersfriend]

I used to 'go dark' when i worked on special ops for 'the company".

[lloydslights]

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@love*today wrote:
Grab some numbers of local social service organisations and pass them on.
Be there to just listen.
If you get that feeling that she is going to do something stupid, take away anything that she can use, stay by her and call for help.

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To Grandmoon:

Even if this admission is not acute at this time, take her by the hand and accompany her to a doctor's surgery in the very near future.

Saying "go to the doctor" may not necessarily work.  She may have to be assisted to get there (physically as well as mentally).  

Then YOU will feel that you've done your best for her.  It's a good idea for all the group of friends to have those numbers of local social service organizations so that you all share the load. 

My thoughts are with you.  And thank you for caring enough about her to ask for assistance.

DEB