How to Help a Suicidal Friend

Helping a friend with suicidal tendencies can be bewildering and emotionally draining. You must take the threat seriously. Although your friend's problems may not seem serious enough to warrant suicide, the mental anguish they are experiencing is very real. Luckily, if your friend is talking to you, some part of them wants help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Call 911 if you are speaking on the phone with a friend who is intent on committing suicide immediately. If he says he is going to kill himself, you have no choice but to take him seriously.
2. Listen to what your friend is thinking. Suicidal people feel that they lack the love and support of others, so showing that you are willing to listen is an important way to help. Employ "active listening" techniques, such as repeating what your friend has said when responding.
3. Reassure your friend that she has reasons to live. If she had completely given up hope, she would not be discussing her suicidal tendencies with you. Ask what prevented her from killing herself so far, and encourage her to focus on these reasons.
4. Ask your friend how he intends to commit suicide. This is a good way to gauge how determined he is to follow through. The more detailed and realistic the plan, the more concerned you should be.
5. Stay with your friend. If he is acutely suicidal, he might make an attempt when nobody is physically present.
6. Remove objects like knives, razors and poisonous substances from your friend's home or apartment.
7. Find other people to support your friend through her time of crisis. The more people involved, the more effective the recovery process. Church groups, family and medical professionals are all possible places to turn.
8. Insist that your friend seek professional help. If cost is an issue, many organizations offer free or discounted counseling to those in need. Strongly encourage him to get the process started.

Tips & Warnings

• Suicide is a very serious medical condition affecting millions of people. It shouldn't be treated lightly: medical help should be sought no matter the severity.