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[lifetothefullest]

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[puzzlingly]

yeah. i think so

「The fact is... he doesn't know them that well. But he's got his reasons to do this.」

do you have experience with this?

[lifetothefullest]

I primarily do trauma counseling, so I have specific experience helping people with issues related to stressful and traumatic events.

[So... Sort of. But there's an important caveat, and while he wishes he could reassure Atem that he knows exactly how to deal with this, that's neither ethical nor the truth.]

However, immediate threats are not my area of expertise. If I were in my world and had a patient who I thought was a pressing risk to themselves, I would refer them to someone who is trained to handle emergency cases.

[Which is, of course, not an option here.]

But the end result, which is that the individual is monitored to be sure they're safe while their underlying issues are addressed, can still be accomplished here.

[It just might not go over particularly smoothly.]

[puzzlingly]

「So, is he as lost as he is? Nah, probably not, but... It's not exactly reassuring either, but he appreciates the honesty.」

so i keep at it. is that it?

[lifetothefullest]

[Lance knows, theoretically, what's supposed to be done in this situation, he just doesn't consider himself--and likely objectively isn't--qualified for it. But for better or worse, he's still likely the most qualified person here, so there's... That.]

Not exactly, especially if it's just you. Their other friends need to be involved as well, and allowing them to continue their actively self-destructive behavior will only cause them to continue to get worse.

[puzzlingly]

dont worry its just not me

「Even if it feels like it.」

but i will try that

「Somehow, he had been avoiding it, to get others involved. But maybe it's time to work his magic.」

[lifetothefullest]

[That's good to know, at least; a more intervention-like strategy, with multiple people involved, is most likely to be successful in this situation and with the resources they have.]

Okay. The more people that this individual knows care for them, even if they claim not to want it, the better. Often, despite the lengths they might go to hide it, people exhibiting this type of behavior truly want someone to find out and help them. It'll take time, and persistence, but this is one the symptoms that can't be ignored in hopes it will improve.

[But what Lance and Atem had talked about near the beginning of this conversation, and about someone having to want the help for it to be effective, might be less of an issue. Whoever it is may indeed very much want the help, even if it's only subconsciously.]

[puzzlingly]

「How come he didn't think of it before? It seemed so easy... Maybe because he didn't want to overwhelm her, or because he thought he could do it by himself, somehow. But this is not something that he can do alone, this whole conversation is proof of it.」

i understand
i will do all i can

「He really means it.」

[lifetothefullest]

I'm sure you will.

[He doesn't at all doubt Atem in this.]

If you have further questions, or just need to talk to anyone, you can call or send me a message at any time. I'll help however I can.

[puzzlingly]

i will. you can count on it

「At least he will try to keep in touch.」

and lance... thank you.
you...
just. thank you

「He has words. Just not enough space to express them.」

[lifetothefullest]

You're welcome, Atem.

Don't forget to take care of yourself while you're taking care of your friend, too. Set a good example.

[It's mostly a joke, but he means the sentiment. It can be very stressful trying to help someone who's in a bad place, even for a professional.]

[puzzlingly]

「The reminder is a good one, he promised Law he'd take care of his body, it was a gift after all, he also needs to keep himself strong, because of the new weather, because people need him. Or so he wants to believe. So, no, he doesn't hate the reminder, he appreciates it, whether it is a joke or not.」