That’s What’s Up!

Dear Teressa,

I don’t have any family members around for the holidays. I don’t know what I’m going to do to keep myself from getting depressed or home-sick. Do you have any recommendations? Any ideas on how to keep me from being lonely?-Homesick

 

 

Homesick,

You could host holiday parties and have your friends visit. Have everyone bring a dish to pass, so that it’s not too costly for you, and not too much work. You should get some chores done, if you have time off work. The holidays are a perfect time to catch up on those things that you’ve been putting off.

Having friends around will not totally prevent you from being homesick. You could also make a few of your families favorite dishes to pass. That will remind you of them, and remind you of home. You may want to catch a movie, or read a book that you haven’t had time for. It depends on your hobbies and what you like to do for fun. Make sure you do several different fun things to stay busy. Don’t forget to make several calls to those family members that you’re missing so much. I’m sure you’re aware of how comforting it is to hear a family members voice.

If possible, you should make plans for a trip to visit your family. That will give you something to look forward to, as well as give you hope. –That’s What’s Up!

 

 

Dear Teressa,

I have a friend that is very self destructive and heading down a bad path. He’s doing the wrong things in life, and I’m afraid for his life. He’s always saying that he doesn’t want to live any more, and that he’s ready to eat all of his prescription pills.

He also tells lie after lie to several of my close friends. Those lies are to cover up the bad things that he’s done. He’s been drinking heavily and mixing his medications. This too worries me. Do you think I should make him check into a rehab? He’s drinking way too much and abusing his medications.

I know that he’s also buying drugs off the street. They’re someone else’s medications. He’s buying oxycotin and abusing them. What can I do to save him or help him? I don’t want to lose him. He’s a former heroin addict and I can’t watch him destroy his life. Please help me to get him some help. –Drug Addicts Friend

 

Drug,

It definitely sounds like your friend needs help, and soon. Unfortunately, you can’t help him alone. He needs professional help. Yes, you should get him into a rehabilitation program. I doubt that he will go on his own, but perhaps he will since he’s obviously asking for help.

It seems that you think you can get him to go on his own, so I would try that route first, and if he refuses to go on his own, then you need to obtain a petition from the state, and let the state know about his destructive behavior. There is a process, and you can call any rehab for more information. It’s the same type of thing that happened to Britney Spears. Most don’t know, but anyone can petition for a psychiatric evaluation to occur.

Be sure to explain to your friend that you’re doing this to help him. Let him know how much he means to you, and give him examples as to why you felt this was necessary. –Now, That’s What’s Up!