Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/684273
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Ihavea friend, "Morgan," who I found out has been cut- ting herself. Morgan has struggled with depression since she was young. She seemed to hit her rock-bottom this past summer. She started cutting her arms with kitchen knives and scissors, including at my own birthday party. At first she said it had been an accident, but as I saw more and more scars develop on her arms, I knew something was wrong. I asked her privately about this, and she told me everything. Her parents had forced her into therapy during the summer and she couldn't stand it. Morgan said therapy didn't help at all and that going back was not an option. She said she knows her cutting takes a toll on her friends, and that after she cuts she regrets it. I told her I was al- ways there for her if she needed to talk to some- one, or if she needed to do something to take her mind off of cutting. I told her to just let me know and I would try to help her. I recently heard something disturbing. She said that late at night while her parents were asleep, she went down to the kitchen and cut herself with a kitchen knife for "no reason in particular." Lately, she has stopped cutting herself, but she says that she feels the event is always looming over her head. How do I help Morgan? Have I done all I can for her? I want to be as supportive as po ss ib l e fo r h er , bu t ha ve I done or said something wrong? Morgan asked me to not tell anyone about her behavior, and I feel like it is a giant brick on my shoulders. What should I do? —Worriedin Washington DEAR WORRIED » You are very smart and sensi- tive, and "Morgan" is lucky to have a friend like you. One of the best ways to help her is to give her a supportive outlet to talk honestly about her feel- ings and behavior. People who cut often describe it as bringing relief after a buildup of stress and anxiety. Talk- ing can help to decrease the stress. Don't judge Morgan, but DO understand that this is a potentially seri- ous issue, and she will likely need patient and supportive professional help. You really cannot promise to keep this a secret; it's simply too important. Take this brick off your shoulder and bring Morgan to see your school counselor. If she won't go with you, tell her that you need to go on your own. You should also talk to your parents (they may decide to reach out to hers). Here are some very helpful resources for both of you: www.selfinjury.bctr. cornell.edu; the crisis text helpline: text 741-741 (U.S. only); self-injury.net (U.S. and Canada). High school student worries about a friend's self-harm You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Gemini(May21-June20) — Partnerships will be intense. Put your energy into passionate encounters, not into disagree- ments or trying to lavishly please someone who is giving you a hard time. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Jump in. Standing on the sidelines waiting to be asked to join the party is not going to help you get ahead. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — A change and a challenge will help motivate and inspire you to bring about overdue personal changes. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Don't underestimate a situa- tion when dealing with partners or matters concerning your work, reputation or domestic situation. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A competitive approach will show others that you aren't a pushover. Express your will through your actions. It's what you do that will help you gain the respect of others. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Be aware of what others are up to. Friends and relatives will meddle if you let them. Stick close to home and do your own thing. A creative project will ease your stress. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Anger is the enemy. Put your energy into activities that encourage positive change. Offer compassion and affection instead of criticism or neglect. Avoid excess. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Don't wait. If an opportunity presents itself, make your move. Contracts, settlements and anything that can put you one step above your current position should be taken advantage of. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Test your strength. Get involved in activities that will motivate you. Make physical changes at home that will im- prove your living arrangements. A romantic gesture will bring good results. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't share your plans. Someone will take advantage of you or take credit for your ideas. Take your time and make sure you have left no detail unat- tended to. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Check out new possibilities. If you negotiate on your own be- half, you will make financial and contractual gains. A physical change is favored. A romantic celebration will enhance life. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don't disregard what others say or offer. Working in unison with those willing to match you every step of the way will ensure that you reach your goal. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, MAY 26 THURSDAY,MAY26,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B