Earlier today, a friend of mine and I were talking about some of the folks that we work with who have moved on to other jobs or other problems in their lives. Bu I'm feeling guilty because one of the guys I used to work with is struggling with what seems like paranoia. My friend, Dave, and I were talking over the phone about all of this.
Now, Al is basically homeless and living out of his car, going from one colleague's house to the next, ask if he can spend the night there. He has a family, or at least a son and an estranged wife, who apparently is trying to help him. But, I joked to my friend that if he calls me, I will tell him to call the "helpline" -- the helpline being Dave. That gave us a good laugh, but I'm feeling like I had laugh at Al's expense. I don't know how or what I can do to help Al. Although I've never been homeless, I know what it's like to live in an anxious mind and experience despondency.
I guess I'm looking for a "hug" of sorts , and maybe some advice on how I can make it up to this man.