What do you... ?

Question

... say or do whenever people come to you with thoughts of suicide?

I've had like 3 people in the past 2 weeks approach me about it.... =-(

It's like...
I care about these guys and stuff...
I just don't have the means to be with them physically, so it's just talking over the phone or the Internet, and that makes it hard...

Answer 1

Talk to the person in a nonjudgmental way.
If you can, transport the person to an emergency room or mental health professional's office yourself.
Remove guns, medications or any other materials that might be used for self-harm.
Let the person know you care about his or her well being, that these suicidal feelings are temporary and that problems can be solved.
Don't act shocked when someone talks to you about their suicidal thoughts.
Don't use maxims like, “You have so much to live for” or “Your family will be devastated.”
Don't leave someone alone if he or she is in imminent danger of suicide.
Don't promise to keep secrets or confidences for the person.
Don't try to counsel the person yourself.

Answer 2

I would just say that suicide is NOT the answer....that's PERMANENT and there is MUCH a person has to live for....I'd say to them that I would want to stick around to see how everything come out in life... and that things may be bad this second but give them a CHANCE to change... NOTHING stays bad forever... no matter what... I have a semi-unique situation however because I AM terminally ill and KNOW the value of life and appreciate every single second that I am on earth... you HAVE to make these people feel that life IS worth living...

Answer 3

I would say that they need to go speak to someone who knows more about these feelings than you do. Perhaps they need to speak to their doctor or someone in the clergy. People who talk about suicide are usually asking for help, however, if they do follow through and you did not provide them with some kind of support you may find yourself feeling responsible. Of course it would NOT be your fault. In the future I would recommend that you look up suicide prevention hot lines in your area and offer this to your friends. You must be very special, after all your friends feel comfortable enough to come and discuss this with you. Peace.

Answer 4

I agree with a lot of the other answerers. Tell the people that you love them and care for them. Tell them that suicide solves nothing and will only hurt those around each of these people. Urge them to get counseling. If not, urge them to call a suicide prevention hotline and get assistance there from professionals. It's fine to be there for them and talk to them, but you need to get them to professionals also.

Answer 5

It's dangerous to counsel people if we're not professionals. We're not qualified to help them and might even do more harm. The fact that they're coming to you means that they're crying out for help. Show sympathy and refer them to a local hotline or support group. Remember the first law of medicine: "Do no harm."

Answer 6

Convince them to get help
Convince them life is worth living
Convince them you will be there for them whenever they need
And the obvious don't leave them alone when they are talking that way....

I know you can't make someone get help, but only advise. Also, maybe they just want someone to be there for them & luckily they have you! :)

Answer 7

You ask them why they are thinking about it? What can you do to help? If they want to see a professional.

Answer 8

Tell them it's not the answer, and you will help them work through their rough patch. support them and check up on them to see if they're okay.

Answer 9

i would let them know they are loved and cared about,and that i was available anytime to talk to if they needed me. if you think they are in danger,try to get help for them.

Answer 10

say that you will be sad if they die...and send them to counseling!