Ever see an odd, unspecific post on social media from a friend? Of course. We all have. Some call it Vaguebooking, right?
Saw one about two weeks ago. At the time, it occurred to me something might be up. Posted by a friend who isn't all that active on social media. It was an easily identifiable line from a popular novel. I wondered what it was about. I posted a short reply, prompting for more. Briefly had the thought that I should follow up with a direct contact via e-mail or text. But it was late and it went to my mental to-do list.
I came across it again a few days ago. It was a lazy weekend, so I fired off an e-mail to inquire. It seemed he was saying goodbye, but I assumed it might be a farewell to social media or a job. Not long later I received a text, "Got time for a call?" Slowly I began to reconsider my assumptions.
His post was a farewell. But a far more permanent one that I interpreted. He tried to kill himself that night. Fortunately, the medication he took was not as potent as he thought. He was hospitalized. He spent several days in a psychiatric care facility. He now has a therapist who can prescribe better meds for his clinical depression. It will take time to titrate the proper dose, but he's already doing better.
These times are a challenge to all of us. Some of us have better support. Some of us aren't burdened with serious mental health issues. Let's keep an eye on each other. I'm glad I reached out to my friend. I wish I'd done it sooner, though I would not have been able to reach him then. As it stands, I may be the only one who responded. But I intend to start checking in with lots of other friends a bit more often these days.
Saw one about two weeks ago. At the time, it occurred to me something might be up. Posted by a friend who isn't all that active on social media. It was an easily identifiable line from a popular novel. I wondered what it was about. I posted a short reply, prompting for more. Briefly had the thought that I should follow up with a direct contact via e-mail or text. But it was late and it went to my mental to-do list.
I came across it again a few days ago. It was a lazy weekend, so I fired off an e-mail to inquire. It seemed he was saying goodbye, but I assumed it might be a farewell to social media or a job. Not long later I received a text, "Got time for a call?" Slowly I began to reconsider my assumptions.
His post was a farewell. But a far more permanent one that I interpreted. He tried to kill himself that night. Fortunately, the medication he took was not as potent as he thought. He was hospitalized. He spent several days in a psychiatric care facility. He now has a therapist who can prescribe better meds for his clinical depression. It will take time to titrate the proper dose, but he's already doing better.
These times are a challenge to all of us. Some of us have better support. Some of us aren't burdened with serious mental health issues. Let's keep an eye on each other. I'm glad I reached out to my friend. I wish I'd done it sooner, though I would not have been able to reach him then. As it stands, I may be the only one who responded. But I intend to start checking in with lots of other friends a bit more often these days.
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