I promise you from the depths of my soul, that my name is just a name and nothing else. I am not hiding whom I am, just not trusting of this site just yet. I do however appreciate your kind words which some have made me shed a tear.

Call me BROKENSOUL......and hopefully this is a temp name.

prayers of good brokensoul.

tears shed for our loved one's be but prizes.

love ya man.

I would be concerned. Even though this has gone on for years, but no attempt was made,the reality of it happening still exists. I would be compassionate, gentle, avoid judging any feelings or thoughts she shares. I think for now it may a cry for help and desperate need to feel like people care for and love her. I would not count this off as someone who won't ever do it...sometimes a cry for help that goes on this long and feels unanswered ( key word..it has been answered, but she clearly doesn't feel like it has for whatever reason) can end up coming full circle if she starts feeling like people are blowing off her feelings and counting her off as just a cry for help or what professionals sometimes call "attention seeking". I have known people who go through this for similar periods of time and then one day they do in fact decide to make an attempt on their life, sometimes they succeed, sometimes they have close calls and sometimes they succeed by making an attempt meant to show how serious their despair is hoping it will convince people of how bad they feel.

Also...both biploar and dysthymia cause depression and need medication to manage due to a chemical imbalance. BPD also has depression aspects, self harming behavior and suicidal ideation. Sometimes no matter how many people show love and care, the despair becomes to much to bear...I recommend trying to ease her into getting help from a psychologist to best ensure whatever the underlying source is, it gets addressed and hopefully can start feeling better.

It should NEVER be dismissed for ANY reason...regardless of the "myths" about suicide and how to tell if someone is serious. The myths are just those..myths and are the worst way to honestly care for and handle someone with suicidal ideation.

Suicide is a way of ending the pain and suffering the person is going through. It is a terrible thing but it is understandable to them at the time. Life is hard and most people suffer in silence till it gets too much. Overwhelming them like a wave of darkness.
Prayers going up for all who have been affected

prayers for your friend with a troubled spirit and for you as you offer your friendship and compassion.
there is no easy answer and it may require a multi faceted approach. you and others being supportive. prayers and faith if you're a believer. professional medical attention and possibly anti depressant medications; while also treating the root of where these feelings come from.
something to keep in mind is nobody can help a person who fights the help.
many who suffer from depression or other mental and/or chemical imbalances wish for something better but are afraid of confronting their demons for fear of being destroyed.
sending you many prayers

I agree with some of the above posters. I think this person is looking for help.. but doesn't know who to go to or what to do. The fact that you state this person smiles a lot and tries to lead a simple normal life may just be a fa�ade. I had a friend who always seemed happy. no sign of suicide, then one day he just stopped his car on the Verrazano's Narrows bridge.. got out.. and jumped off to his death. No note.. no financial or law troubles.. nothing.. nobody can figure out why.

I would take the chance and talk to the person, let them know that you saw the letters and you are there.. and if they do in fact need help and ask you for it then I would make it a point to assist them in getting it.. because if you don't.. and they do in fact commit suicide.. that would be tough to deal with, knowing what you know

It means the person was depressed for a long time! The fact that they were in a box means they were saving them and did not want anyone to read them.

A lot of people write to get their emotions out. The concerning part is that this has been going on for 17 years and they talk about suicide.

Thank you everyone for your helpful words. I am still trying to figure out how to help even though this person will not speak to me. I may just have to address this with very careful choice words.

Clinical depression. Borderline personality? Bipolar disorder?