[Newspoetry] Suicide? What?

[Bill Wendling]

A quick guide for how to communication with someone who is depressed:
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Q: Why are you depressed?
A: Just...I don't know.
	Translation: It's just how things are. I can't explain it. It's
		     chemical or something. It's nothing and everything!

Q: Is there anything I can do to help?
A: I don't know.
	Translation: Cheer me up! I literally have to energy to do
		     anything. You'll have to work hard. Hugs help.

Q: You aren't thinking about hurting yourself, are you?
A: No.
	Translation: Yes.

Q: Can't you think back on times you were happy?
A: I've never been happy.
	Translation: I've never felt happy for any significant period of
		     time.

Q: OH MY GOD! Why did you do that?!
A: *sob* I don't know...
	Translation: HELP!

...and so one...

-- 
|| Bill Wendling			wendling at ganymede.isdn.uiuc.edu