What are some things a person should do if a friend has frequently been talking of suicide?

Answer 1

Dutch and Paradise_Waters you are both jerks.

John N,

You must be a true friend to care enough to ask! Depending on their age, talk to the school counselor as well as their parents. Use some tact with their parents though. If this friend is older, talk to them and encourage them to get help, let them know how hard it is to think that they wouldn't be there if they did. Call the crisis line in your area for more suggestions and help. Also talk with their family .

Sadly on the norm, the person who commits suicide is not the one that talks about it, it is usually the one that doesn't tlak about it. There are some that mention it and then months later out of the blue do it. (my kids dad did this)

They have no idea the pain, guilt and life long questions they will leave behind. Not just for their friends, parents but the way it effects thier children. Call someone who knows (crisis line) and get your friend help before it is too late and you are left with a lifetime of regret!

Answer 2

My experience with suicidal thoughts: For me, such thoughts were the effect of perceived low self worth. I lost my job, I was relying on people for money, I had no skills. Basically, I felt like a sponge. I was a parasite on the community and felt that suicide was the best solution for all involved. Fortunately, I had a good friend to come over and help me out of it. They gave me a good, swift kick in my " self-loathing ", got me a job and put me on a path towards self-improvement. ( no I don't mean yoga, but just being self sufficient )
In high school, my thoughts of suicide were base on helplessness. I was an "outsider" and people had no problems letting me know it. The short answer was that the world ( and myself ) would be better if I was dead. Fortunately, there was a few friends that help me through this by offering me some distractions, and a few answers. Now, I don't recommend the 'distractions' but the answers were nice.
The trick is to find out what it that is causing the "self-loathing" and try to steer the person away from it. Usually, that mean putting the person in a position where he/she is helping some one else, or at least not depending on others.
I hope this helps, best wishes.

Answer 3

One thing you can do is ask questions to find out if this person is seriously considering such a thing or just going through other emotional problems. For instance if he/she is talking about commiting suicide then ask "do you have a plan?" then you might ask, "when will you do this?" "have you spoken to anyone else about this (your problem) or am I the only one that knows?", "how come you are deciding this is the best thing to do?"
After talking to this person you might see what is really going on and if this matter is something you should REALLY worry about. Ofcourse if this person is really going to do something like this then you will have to have a plan yourself.
- First and foremost see yourself overcomig this together. Stay strong. I am hoping things go well in your intervention.

Answer 4

How long has the friendship lasted? Do you know this person well enough to know if they're simply seeking attention? If you think this person will actually do it, have you asked them to talk it out with you, to find out what their reasons are for wanting to commit suicide? What supposably insurmountable problems is the person facing? I say supposably because we all experience difficulties that at first seem impossible to overcome, but with the right help, advice and mindset those problems are usually fixable. Being there and listening are the two most important things you can do.

Answer 5

Hm. Depends on how involved you want to get and if you feel able to handle the sort of responsibility you will feel if you do. If you and your friend are kids/teenagers then you should involve an adult. Most of the time people speaking of suicide (instead of just doing it) are looking for attention, for someone to notice how frustrated/unhappy/alone they feel. Getting someone to talk to about these feelings, someone who will take them seriosuly and acknowledge them, can be very helpful. If your friend does not wish to talk about this with his/her family or other trusted adults, refer him to a free counseling service. Don;t know what country you are in so can;t give you a specific organisation name, but I'm sure there must be something like Lifeline everywhere. You could call a helpline like this yourself and ask for advice if your friend does not want to do this initialy. Basically: hand this problem over to someone who can handle it, and be supportive to your friend. I suggest you even ask him/her how seriously you should take this threat - not to mock them, but with concern and compassion. Ask him/her what you should do with this information, and let them know that you are worried and that you will take action if you feel that they are serious.

As an afterthought: when I say 'responsibility' I obviously don;t mean that you are responsible for your friend's life in any way. If s/he really wants to do this s/he will, and there is nothing you can do about that. It is only if s/he wants help that you can do anything for him/her. So be really really honest with yourself and clear about how you might feel if you do get involved in trying to help him/her without professional assistance and s/he does end up committing suicide. It's probably unlikely, but it could scar you deeply if you do not fully understand your role in this.

Answer 6

Show your compassion and inform their family.

if they have none, insist they see councilling.

if money is an issue, most jurisdictions have suicide prevention hotlines and services. if you live in an area without such ready access, contact one in the nearest municipalty.

People who talk about suicide need help. Besides being a threat to themselves and besides it only being moral to help anyone, especially a friend in need; It is in the interest of society at large to help these people.

Anyone who is depressed or alienated enough my do something harmful to innocent people as they feel more alienated from society. Columbine killers and suicide bombers are extreme examples of people who did not receive proper help and intervention.

Answer 7

talk of suicide is difficult for a friend to hear and see another struggle through, it can even resemble a trap for the listener, and that is a sad truth. it is difficult to encourage someone to change their decision and let them know they are valued, their words do need the guidance of a more experienced person to save them from acting it out.

Answer 8

Notify his parents and other friends.
Watch him carefully
Take him through counselling.
Avoid him if its becoming a problem for.
Note: Good friends stay with you through good and bad times.
They are always there when you need them. Therefore if he is truly your friend, you need to be there for him.

Answer 9

Im not sure how old your friend is , but they need to be taken to the hospital or call the police and let them take them...

Answer 10

Immediately contact a counselor. Don't delay, and don't let anone discourage you!
Your friend needs a counselor. Don't delay.
Best wishes to you and your friend.