Why the instinct to survive?

[LostDays]

I don't want to sit around and wait for the dreaded phone call that something awful happened to her. She pretends nothing is wrong when authority figures, and therapists come around... She also suffers from Asperger syndrome and I am really concerned. We have tried many things.. that is why I keep coming back to these 'stupid questions' I guess as someone called them... because I'm hoping if I hear the right answer.. I can say something to her that will change her mind for good, and be able to help her realize that life is worth living.

That's the thing, though, darlin'... to a major depressive (I'm talking from experience), the will to survive isn't as strong as it is to someone who isn't mentally ill. You're not going to get "the right answer" because there isn't one. If there were, we wouldn't ever have to deal with suicide. I pretend nothing is wrong too, but it always is. I can't help it, and I would wager, neither can she. All you can do is be there when she calls, maybe suggest therapy and meds, and hope she continues to survive for whatever reasons she hasn't ended it yet.

I'm sorry to break bad news to you... I truly am; but dealing with depressed people isn't easy. Just try to be a reason for her to survive, but know that if you can't, it's not your fault.

As crazy as I probably sound, I really hope there comes a day where not so many people are depressed, anxious and suicidal. I hope we can continue to develop programs that really help people. I hope that people with mental health issues eventually one day get all the same rights and treatment as everyone else.

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar but I am working at a health care centre right now that is teaching a form of therapy called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.. and the skills in the program have proven to be very useful for a few specific diagnoses.. but we are hoping to make the program available to everyone eventually. I come on websites like these to study people, their responses, and then see what I can take back with me and apply it to the program to make it more effective for people.

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So as stupid as some of the question may seem to come across.. I honestly hope to make a difference due to the things you guys have to say.

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She just said she feels drained, she feels like she just survives in order to prevent more heartache to her Mom, me, and the rest of the family members.. just like Rebecca said.. same thing for my cousin. I don't feel like I could live with myself if something ever happened to her and I didn't feel like I did everything in my power to help her.

(bold mine)

You are doing everything in your power, believe me. You just can't have much of it in a situation such as this. Again, I'm sorry

I really appreciate that a lot! It is really good to know I am doing all the right things, you guys are definitely helping to keep my guilt at bay.. I guess I feel more responsible for her because I am in the mental health field and I am so close to her! I feel like its my obligation to help my family and others! Very tough work, but nothing more rewarding.