Best friend calls the police after man threatens suicide

DEAR ABBY: I am a woman in my late 30s. “Tim” and I have been best friends for more than 10 years. Over the last few years, he has struggled with depression and addiction, and I have done my best to help him.

A few weeks back, Tim called me crying and said he was planning to end his life. It wasn’t the first time he has spoken this way, but it was the first time he described a plan of action. Because I was alarmed, I called the police to do a welfare check. They went to Tim’s home, which is across the country from mine, and took him to a psychiatric facility for several days. Now that he’s out, he’s furious with me for notifying the police and says I betrayed him. He said he doesn’t know if we can continue to be friends.

I feel terrible, like I perhaps made a mistake by calling reinforcements,

by Bigar

(March 21-April 19): Discuss long-term financial plans with a partner. Talk over all your options. If you disagree and reach an impasse, come back to it another day. A financial adviser or knowledgeable friend may provide answers. Tonight: Step up your exercise routine.

(April 20-May 20): Give someone you love the upper hand. Hold back on what you really want to say. Avoid an argument, and your relationship will take a romantic turn. Share a secret with someone you trust. Tonight: Tidy up and relax.

(May 21-June 20): Work to the best of your ability. Meet deadlines, and you will never go wrong. It never hurts to look at other opportunities for which you qualify. Socialize after hours with co-workers or fellow volunteers. Tonight: Time for a serious discussion.

(June 21-July 22): Revive a creative project that stalled. Fresh ideas and inspired conversations give it the green light. People are attracted to your spirited personality. Do something out of character, which ensures you will have fun. Tonight: Make music or listen to it.

(July 23-Aug. 22): Continue to delve into your family tree. Online research is only part of the effort. Connect with relatives who can fill in gaps and supply memorabilia. Trace people you never met but heard about. Searching occupies spare time. Tonight: Date night.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Someone in your extended family could use your advice. You are bursting with ideas that you want to express. Journaling will keep you busy. If you want to share your thoughts, explore social media platforms. Tonight: Maintain a positive outlook.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Expenses you did not count on emerge. Pass on items that make you happy in the short term. Use your initiative to find additional income streams. Business ideas that start small are the answer. Tonight: Night out with close friends.

(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your stress level is on overdrive. Stay silent rather than say something you regret. Walk or run on a steeper path than usual. Work up a sweat, but don’t push yourself beyond where your body wants to go. Tonight: Home spa treatment.

(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t let sad news ruin your day. Dwell on happy memories and future successes. Make giving back a reality. Donate time or but I was more worried about the consequences of not calling. My family is telling me I should step away from the friendship altogether, but I can’t imagine doing that. Please help. – TAKES FRIENDSHIP SERIOUSLY

DEAR TAKES: Your family’s advice to step away seems sensible. You did NOT make a mistake by calling to see that Tim got help after he told you he had a plan in place to take his own life. You were trying to help him and prevent a tragedy, and that’s a good thing.

Tim is clearly very ill and, unfortunately, there is little you can do to fix what’s wrong with him (which is plenty). If you know his family, inform them about what has been going on. And because he doesn’t know if he can continue being friends with you, leave it up to him to decide.

Astrology

money to a group or organization whose ideals you share. Tonight: Come up with a workable plan B.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Speak up at a lecture, group or meeting you attend. People may be surprised but will listen intently to what you have to say. Friends are powerful influences. Ask for opinions, but think for yourself. Tonight: Relax in the tub.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may be asked to take a leadership position or make a presentation. These requests may be challenging, but you are capable of high marks. People you love are always your greatest support system. Tonight: Keep the remote to yourself.

(Feb. 19-March 20): An enticing travel offer may arise unexpectedly. If it does not fit into your schedule, say no and move on. There will be other opportunities. Mentor an eager student who will benefit from your knowledge. Tonight: Watch a sporting event.