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Unsure of my actions with a friend

User Profile: MamaNamedKay
MamaNamedKay August 22nd, 2020

I have a friend who's been in and out of my life for 5 years. Recently he opened up to me about his feelings, and unstable mental health. I tried to have him get help locally by sending resources in his area, we are hundreds of miles away from each other. When I was out of resources to send and he never took any of them, I reached out this parents. They were my only touch point to him, as far as I know he doesn't have other friends that aren't me. I let them know I thought he needed some guidance and help and was very depressed. I didn't disclose any of the information he had specified. They thanked me for reaching out and said they noticed small changes in him but didn't know how to proceed to help him since he is an adult.
He found out that I told them and now won't speak to me. He says I broke his trust. That I ruined everything and now he has no one. But all I wanted to do was help and I was afraid if something were to happen to him, I would feel guilt forever knowing I knew the situation and didn't speak out.

Now I just feel guilt that maybe I did the wrong thing? I know I was the only person he came to about his worries. And now he has no one. Now if he doesn't seek help, he won't come to me either.
i feel like this should he be easier to let go. But I care so deeply and now I don't have contact to even know he's okay. I don't think it's healthy to reach out to him further since trust was broken. But how do I have peace and go forward? Advice?

3
User Profile: dworth257
dworth257 August 22nd, 2020

@MamaNamedKay sometimes this can be seen as not having respect for them and what they're sharing with you. I understand your concern and point of view, but maybe confiding in you specifically was for a reason, and his parents don't react to well about it. You didn't do anything bad, and i'm sure he'll find his way back to you. but yes he might feel like you betrayed his trust a little bit. if he reaches out about it, just express how you were afraid.