Hey Ronnie

I'm sorry to hear about Justin, that's awful! I mostly agree with you about meds. (for myself anyway). I tend to try to stay off of everything as much as possible. Only if I get really sick do I take anything, but perhaps the meds will help him. I agree that he should try to deal with the problem and not just mask the symptoms, but maybe the drugs will enable him to handle whatever issues and stresses he's dealing with. Anyway I hope everything turns out ok.

Really cool about your friend Meghan!

Have an awesome day and take care

Kevin

Ronnie!

You know where I'm at if you want to talk okay...

Hugs, Viv

Ronnie,

Ok, I have thought a lot about your blog entry. I am really sorry to hear about Justin. So, here are some suggestions to help your BEST FRIEND FOREVER..

1. Don't make any suggestions..think of it like the scene of the crime and gather the facts.

How do you do that...start asking a lot of questions from anyone and everyone that interacts with Justin

and dare I say even Cruella deville....um I mean Lorena...but before you start with her..

speak to Justin's Mom....is there tension at home (i.e. are his parents fighting, in the middle of a divorce..is there family trauma..a member of the family very ill..is Justin fighting or upset with siblings, parental units, etc..

speak to Justin's friends....even people he has classed with but not necessarily super close to Justin...have they observed anything that Justin is upset, stressed..is there someone or someones bullying him etc....what do they see and know

Is Justin in the same grade as you or older or younger? Are there courses he is taking that are stressing him badly (i.e. is he failing or flunking out or barely making it in each class?)

Has Justin changed friends suddenly....and are those friends bad influences on him... (i.e. is he getting into trouble including drugs, alcohol and such)

Is he maybe (and I don't suggest this to feed any fantasies or hopes that he is..but is he Gay and struggling with his sexual orientation?)

Remember if you speak to his counselor...the counselor is not permitted to violate confidentiality regarding Justin and the counselor can't discuss Justin's counseling/therapy with you..so don't get frustrated with that..its just the way it is. But, once you have a clear picture, I am sure its ok to help Justin out to speak to his counselor to express your concerns and worries....without you pointing fingers as to you know who caused his anxiety....

Before you speak to the counselor....get as much information as you can...and write it down..don't make assumptions....don't try and project or guess like that Justin is stressed due to Lorena...since you don't know that for a fact....I am sure that his relationship with Lorena is stressful..but I am sure that lots of his relationships are stressful....at school, if he works..does sports, etc....it could be leading to a lot of things..

I have an irregular heart beat...did the doctor test him for that..it could be that simple....stuff like that.

I am with you on not liking anti depressants..I have a hypothyroid (one of the side effects is depression..but I refuse to take anti depressants..although doctors have suggested them to me...no way..I take a synthetic thyroid replacement....since my thyroid was radiated/zapped away) and I suffer from SAD..doctors have suggested anti depressants for that..no thanks....

maybe Justin can join a counseling group..but that's between him and his therapist...

You can tell Justin that you are there for him and no matter and don't pass judgment (that often leads to more stress)...be there to listen....offer him unconditional love and support....if you sense he has trouble communicating, which when in that feeling of helplessness and stress, its not uncommon, you can check in with him each day to see how he is doing..talk about his day and stuff...be the best friend you are to him.

Heck, invite him to some play practice..stuff like that..

and oh, DON'T NEGLECT YOURSELF..>.what I mean by that is remember to do things for you..since if Lorena blocks you out....you can still be there for Justin but you are also branching out and finding friendhsips and doing the play and choir and really blossoming and that growth is very very important too:) Be very proud of yourself for that:)

Glad to hear you are developing a new friendship and close one..I am so proud of you for that and way cool that Meghan can count on you...so what about the other people in the play? how are those friendships going and with Hot Choir Guy? Did you find out if the cool Gay neigbhor is still around? I would love to hear that he is and you connected......and developed a cool friendship..since you know he will have cool (and hot) Gay Guys for you to connect with and develop friendships and who knows:) winks and hopes:)

Fingers crossed, Good Karma and Peace sent and Prayers said for you and for Justin and that he will be ok and you will continue with your own personal growth:)

Good Luck, Ronnie and as Mikie would say..huggles sent to you, Justin and of course to Xander the Wonder Dog:)

Michael