Dear Student,

I am glad that you have written, since this is a very frustrating and scary situation in which to be. You have valid concerns. From your description of his behavior, it sounds like he is experiencing serious feelings of depression. Drug use itself brings with it it's own set of problems, which often intensify feelings of depression. Sometimes people use drugs to make themselves feel better, to self-medicate, but often the opposite effect occurs. The fact that you have tried hard to be supportive and have not been angry or accusing toward him is exactly the right stance to take. He needs to know that you won't abandon him. What you also need to do is to let him know that you are scared for him and that you want him to get help. He sounds ambivalent about wanting help, but encourage him to come to the Counseling and Student Development Center in 200 Campus Life Building and even tell him that you will come here with him since that might make it easier for him. If he won't consider that, rally his friends and family, if appropriate, for support and ask them to reach out to him and encourage him to seek the help it sounds like he needs.

Your response makes me think that you are worried that he is or will become suicidal. While his feelings may be very overwhelming for both him and you, you need to know that there is hope: depression is very common and very treatable.

Our office hours are 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. I would encourage you to call to make an appointment to talk about your own feelings regarding his situation. Also, we can more fully help you assess the situation and talk through other possibilities for getting him the help that he needs. In the case of an emergency, we are available after hours by calling 753-1212.

Sincerely,

Barb Wired