<p>Well, my sad little guest got a good night’s sleep and has been safely delivered to a high school counselor, who seems very good. She (the counselor) had the right mix of empathy and professionalism, getting quickly to the issue of exactly how depressed this girl is and how seriously she’s thought about suicide. She’ll be talking to the parents and trying to get them in for a meeting with her at the school today.</p>
<p>Whew. I am relieved. I hope the school intervention doesn’t make things even more tense at home for this girl, but at least her problems are officially on their radar now.</p>
<p>Lunitari, this girl is so lucky she ended up on your doorstep. However more tense it might get at home, it’s what needs to happen so she and her family can be honest with one another. I hope your daughter is okay through all the drama as well.</p>
<p>I’m so glad that things have worked out. I agree that it’s very fortunate that she reached out to you, and you responded with such empathy. You literally may have saved her life.</p>
<p>So glad to hear she is in the hands of the GC. Kudos to you and to your daughter. Many kids don’t turn to their parents when they should. She obviously feels confident and comfortable enough with you to reach out for your help immediately.</p>
<p>Are you sure she’s not in physical danger? I was once this girl, and my father ws physically abusive. But I knew that saying that would unleash a much bigger can of worms than just admitting I was depressed–I didn’t want my parents to get in trouble, didn’t want to go through the retraumatization of describing the abuse, etc. It sounds like the girl is in good hands now but maybe you could ask your d to be on the lookout for bruises, etc in case the friend is hiding something. Reacting with such fear when you suggested contacting her parents seems to suggest more than just a strained relationship.</p>
<p>lunitari, bless you for helping this girl. You’ve done the right thing. Now the counselor can talk to the parents without involving you or your daughter; the counselor can couch things in terms of "We’ve noticed at the school that . . . " And as an added benefit, the school personnel are required reporters so if the situation is truly abusive, the authorities can get involved.</p>
<p>Since you will likely not be “outed” as the person who reported the girl’s issues, you may be able to stay supportive of this child. You may have saved a life today.</p>