What can I do or say to help my friend who is suicidal??

Question

I just recently found out that my best friend is suicidal. She told me not to tell anyone but that only lasted a few minutes until my boyfriend called. I told him and my mom and we've said everything we can think of. I'm running out of ideas and don't want anything to happen to her. I've told her if she does anything else then I'm calling her mom. She said she'd hate me forever if I did but I don't care. I'd rather her be safe again than be her friend. Does anyone have any ways I can help her??

Thanks for your help everyone but there is also another problem with this. I'm not sure if she's actually serious. A few months ago she did something and we kind of shut her out. Doing something like this to get us to talk to her again really seems like something she would do and I'm not the only one who feels that way. Any comments?

Answer 1

I don't know. If she is religious or believes in God, tell her that she will go to hell for murder if she does it.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, the best answer may not be the one your friend would want. Often there is a deep-rooted source of your friend's ideation (bad family relationship, peer pressure, social situations, etc.), and it will require a bit of investigating into your friend's psyche to find out just what the root of her feelings are. Without forcing her to make a choice, you can do what friends do best, which is open up the pathway to intimacy. Talk to her about why she's feeling the way she's feeling, without being judgemental and critiquing her beliefs. Remain objective, yet offer your support. Nobody wants to commit suicide just for the sake of it, because the ramifications of death are too much to contemplate on a whim. Things have been building up in your friend's life to a point where she may not be able to handle it all. That's where you come in. Offer to take some of that burden for her. If it's because of family issues, offer to help resolve those issues, without bringing up suicide. If it's school-related, find ways to help her see a positive reason to stick it out, even if the goals she desires aren't clearly in her horizon...yet. If you are truly her friend, you need to let her know that her life is very important to those around her, and that her sadness now will be nothing compared to the sadness that she'll inflict on those around her. Once she understands the true value of her own life, she'll begin to make changes so that everybody will see that value too.

Answer 3

People at this stage are calling out for help. If a person is serious in suicide, no one can stop them, but here are some signs that a person is going to committ suicide:

1. The person's mood may change from depressed to happy, since they have committed to resolve their problems thorugh suicide.
2. They start to give away all of their wordly possessions.

Chances are your friend is in hte early stages, but either way she needs professional help. You are right in telling her parents, tell them and have them get her some help.

Answer 4

As I am trained in Suicide Intevention, a person becomes suicidal after many different traumatic life experiences explode into one emajor depression which gives that person a feeling of hopelessness and despair, the only way you can save this person is by immediately reporting and contacting appropriate professional help on her behalf. Sometimes simply having a third objective party to talk to can resolve the issues. You need to be her friend and get help on her behalf and save her life. She will thank you for it in the end trust me....

Answer 5

Try reminding her of everything good in her life like her friends, family, boyfriend, and accomplishments. Try explaining to her the consequences of her actions like how her family would react and how it would impact everyone she knows and cares about including you. If she is christian also remind her that she will not go to heaven according to the bible. Tell her parents because this is a serious problem and she definitely needs counseling. Would you rather have a mad friend or a dead one?

Answer 6

I don't think there are "magic words" to just make everything better. You're friend needs intervention. I would look towards outside help, before her mom personally. I don't know , but I would think that bringing a parent into it might make it wose? Try one of those suicide hotlines for this stuff and ask them what they can suggest. I'm sure they'll have good advise.

Answer 7

Take her to a specialist ... I believe this is way out of your control. Just make sure you show your friend how much you care and that you are doing this for her own good. You can only open the door ... the rest is up to her.

Answer 8

Tell her that a shotgun is a bad idea. Jumping in front of a bus or train or jumping from the tallest building has the highest success rate.

Answer 9

just don't leave her alone. i'm a firm believer that people who are suicidal are really crying for help. they don't really want to die, whatever it is they are facing is so heavy they don't want to live.does that make sense? i have felt that way before. ask what anyone can do to help and keep at it. ask if she wishes she had another way out, and what that way would be and see if y'all can't find someone to help her.let her know she is loved and worth fighting for and how badly it would devastate everyone if she weren't around anymore. just keep letting her know you love her and pray, even if you don't know how. GOD hears.He has saved me from wanting to die do many times.it is awesome that you are such a good friend...

Answer 10

Call 9-1-1.

Answer 11

seriously...show him or her the way to the next Psychologist or Psychatrist!
This topic is too serious to lay a hand on yourself!
Please take my advice!
That person needs professional help!