I have been corresponding with someone who posted a message on a board I frequent. She has this terrible disease and is talking about suicide as a means of escape. How do I help her? My heart is breaking and I feel so helpless. Any and all suggestions are appreciated. Please feel free to email me with you comments and or advise to the above address.

Thanks
Jere

Let your friend know that wanting to die is normal and that depression in a symptom of HD (Marsha just told me that). Also, get local numbers of suicide prevention centers and hotlines.

Good Luck

Hi Jere

Hopefully you've found information to help your friend by now. Not knowing what area of the country they are located in, you might want to consider telling them to call the following person to ask where she can find support near where she lives.

Maxine Brown-Manager of Family Serivces
Huntington's Disease Society of America
E-mail Address(es): Mbrown*at*hdsa.org
158 West 29th Street,
7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 242-1968 ext. 21
Fax: (212) 239-3430

Thank you for trying to help your friend.

Jean