DEAR ABBY: My teenage son came to us because he feels lonely and like no one cares. He says he knows his family is there for him and loves him, but he's looking for that special girl. I talked to him and tried to let him know that right now he needs to focus on himself and where he wants to go with his life, and eventually he will meet someone.
He has now told me that he has had thoughts of hurting himself and wants to talk with a counselor. We have made an appointment for him.
My question is, is it a good sign that he is seeking help now before he has done anything? He hasn't harmed himself in any way, doesn't use drugs, doesn't drink or engage in risky behavior. I want to believe that since he is asking early, all will be OK. -- VERY CONCERNED MOM IN ARIZONA
DEAR MOM: It's appropriate to believe that. Kudos to your son. The people you have to worry about are the ones who hide their sadness and pretend everything is OK when it really isn't.
I assume that you made an appointment for your son with a licensed mental health professional. When your son goes, encourage him to be as open with his therapist about his feelings as he can, so he can get the help he is asking for.