Most people who are suicidal don't actually want to die, according to Help Guide.org. They just want solutions to their problems, or for their personal pain to subside. This is where you come in. If someone you know is severely depressed and suicidal, you can help him get the help he needs to continue living and to work out solutions to his problems. Even if you aren't sure if your friend is serious about his suicidal threats, you should still take action, even if you worry your friend will get mad at you. You can work to get your friend to forgive you, but you can't get him back if he goes through with a suicide plan.
Step 1
Offer a supportive, nonjudgmental ear as your friend discusses her emotional pain, sadness, depression and suicidal thoughts or plans. Don't judge your friend or call her crazy. Instead, help the person see that her situation isn't hopeless and that she's important to you and to others, recommends HelpGuide.org.
Step 2
Offer your friend information and resources that can help him deal with his depression and suicidal thoughts. Give him the number to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or the National Hopeline Network (1-800-SUICIDE).
Step 3
Tell anyone who will listen, according to TeensHealth. Tell your school counselor, tell your friend's parents, tell your other friends, or if you're unsure who else to call, notify the police of your friend's suicidal words and behaviors. Never wait to see if she will snap out of it and don't assume she won't go through with it.
Step 4
Support your friend through treatment. If he enters a mental health program, visit regularly and congratulate him on his progress. Remind him how glad you are that he is alive. If he seeks counseling, talk to him regularly and don't make him feel like a victim or an outcast. Try to do fun things together to remind him of some of the joys of life.
Step 5
Become a part of your friend's plan for life. HelpGuide.org recommends that suicidal people make a plan for life that outlines the exact steps a person promises to take if she feels suicidal. Help her make a plan and add your name to the list of people she can call when she begins to feel depression and suicidal tendencies creeping back into her life.
