If someone told you they were going to kill themselves,would you believe them?

Question

I remember a few months back when i was depressed i told my friend and even my mom that i was going to kill myself and they both didn't take me seriously. My mom laughed and told me to go ahead and my friend said you should'nt etc. I thought well if my friend was such a friend then she would have told someone,so i could of got help,if i would of killed myself then she would probably have felt guilty that she didn't say anything. If someone told me in a serious way that they was thinking suicide then i would take it very seriously. The same thing happened to actor Jon Brandis,he told friends,but they told no-one and he did kill himself and now they are probably all feeling guilty. What do you think?

Answer 1

I can't imagine the mother that wouldn't take this seriously. Yes, I would take it seriously and continue to take it seriously. Many people have many attempts before they actually are successful in ending their lives.

One of my best friends committed suicide a few years ago, he was someone no one would ever expect to do so. I am haunted by this and will probably always be.

Don't imagine that your friends and family do not care because they aren't being understanding and please don't think you'll show them by going ahead. Lots of people imagine the guilt ridden faces of their loved ones, but don't let that be motivating.

Better to be tremendously happy in life to spite people. Best to you honey.

Answer 2

Yes! I would take them seriously! I would take them to the emergency room also so they could get the help they are calling out for. If someone is contentplating suicide they are really calling out for help. Even though they themselves may not know what they want. Usually the person needs help from a professional. They more than likely need to talk to a therapist and might even need to be put on some meds. By the way Don't commit suicide. You can't come back to life. Problems can be fixed. See a therapist they can help. I was severely sexually abused from the age of 2 through 21. I have been in therapy 15 years and I am doing better. So even severe problems can be worked out it just depends on the duration and severity. Good luck! Hugs Von!

Answer 3

I had a friend in high school call me on the phone once and tell me she was going to kill herself and then hung up. I tried to call back but she never answered the phone. I was insane for over an hour looking for her. Thankfully nothing happened. I told her mom and even though it ended our friendship, she got the help she needed.

People always say "I never thought he/she was serious." when someone commits suicide. They think it came out of the blue--but there are always warning signs. People just don't want to admit someone could be capable of taking their own life--but they are. If I hadn't stepped in and told my friend's mother, she may have tried again and succeeded. Now she is a healthy adult-happily married with 2 kids. Since that incident, I take anything anyone says about suicide seriously even when they say "I'm only kidding." You never know if that is true or not.

Answer 4

It is Gospel in the mental health field to ALWAYS take someone saying they want to kill themselves seriously. Many of your 'friends' and 'family' may have absolutely NO experience with suicides or they too would take you seriously, but only YOU know if you would actually carry it out. Only YOU know the anguish that is leading you to such a drastic measure. Remember, suicide is a PERMANANT response to a TEMPORARY situation. Call a suicide hotline. They are trained professionals, and can really help you, even if all they do is listen to you and suggest alternatives. Just ask the operator for the number in your area.

Answer 5

Someone stating that they are going to kill themselves is something that friends and family should always take seriously.....especially if the person is mentioning this for the very first time..........there are people who use this threat to get their way, get attention or manipulate others.....only the person making the statement knows the real state of their mind and feelings. As a former MH worker we were trained to ask the following questions : Do you have a plan ? Do you have a time ?

Also we would watch for people giving away cherished items or money

History of previous attempts or statements without action

It is a serious business.....and if someone really believe a person means to harm themselves.....they should consider getting the person placed in a mh facility and let professionals take over........In many states the simple statement of a desire to cause harm to oneself or other is sufficient to get MH involved.

Answer 6

I think that you are obliged to believe them. If you have any doubts, keep them private because who wants to take the chance? If someone is depressed enough to be thinking about it, then there is a chance that they will take the next step and attempt it. I am sorry that you weren't believed when times were tough enough for you that you thought about it. Hopefully that has passed now, but if it comes back I would like to think you would call a hotline, like Samaritans or a local suicide prevention line if you didn't feel like talking with the people close to you.

Answer 7

anyone who even says the words "i want to kill myself" is at that moment in some type of crisis. sometimes that person is unable to pull out of this crisis and unfortunely mistakes and threats have deadly results. as a mental health worker for 20 years, i take every word for what it means. i attempt to help that person through whatever the crisis is, no matter how unsincere i may believe they are. it may only take listening to give that person strength to face the issue. if this continues to be a thought for you when something bad happens, you should speak to a professional. it could be a chemical inbalance, corrected by medication. good luck to you and by the way, yes they would have felt very guilty they did not listen, but never place that kind of pain and quilt on another life.....promise.....cindy

Answer 8

I think this is a matter that should always be taken seriously. No one just says..Hey, I think I'll kill myself today..there's nothing better to do. There's always a certain behavior..a certain pattern of depression among other things. I agree with you, is a red flag situation..even if you suspect the person did not mean it..I would rather be safe, than sorry.

Answer 9

I would stop and listen. It could be a childish act to get attention or they could be real. I would rather error on the side of conservatism. Once you say that you have to be taken seriously and you should seek help. Remember this if you do. Pay for help out of your own pocket! Insurance companies will mess your life up by denying you coverage or taking your rate so high you cannot afford it. They are one of the sleaziest businesses around.

Answer 10

I think you should ALWAYS take it seriously, death is no joke especially if you are taking your own life away. Joking or not your mother and your friend should of got some kind of help for you. Just the fact that you were thinking about it should of triggered some red flags. I hope you feel better about yourself now, always remember there is people to talk to in this kind of situation.