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Take care of yourself.
Helping a suicidal friend is stressful. Make sure you get support. Talk to a friend or family member and get good food, rest, exercise and whatever else you need.
Helping a suicidal friend is stressful. Make sure you get support. Talk to a friend or family member and get good food, rest, exercise and whatever else you need.
Really Listen.
Show your interest and support without judgement. Don't interrupt, and don't give advice. Express concern and tell your friend that you will get him/her help together. Simply showing a friend that you care enough to listen can be lifesaving.
Show your interest and support without judgement. Don't interrupt, and don't give advice. Express concern and tell your friend that you will get him/her help together. Simply showing a friend that you care enough to listen can be lifesaving.
Don't keep secrets.
Rather than promising your friend to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret, tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people. True friends will remain your friend, even if he or she does not initially agree with your approach or help-seeking. Your efforts to help another will not be overlooked. Keeping secrets about suicide can have devastating consequences that could affect you for a long time.
Rather than promising your friend to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret, tell him or her you can help, but you need to involve other people. True friends will remain your friend, even if he or she does not initially agree with your approach or help-seeking. Your efforts to help another will not be overlooked. Keeping secrets about suicide can have devastating consequences that could affect you for a long time.
How could anyone want to die?
Many people are unable to see alternatives to their problems or an end to their pain. Many who consider dying by suicide still want to live: your friend may have mixed feelings about acting on their thoughts of suicide. By recognizing his or her risk and getting him or her to help, a life can be saved.
Many people are unable to see alternatives to their problems or an end to their pain. Many who consider dying by suicide still want to live: your friend may have mixed feelings about acting on their thoughts of suicide. By recognizing his or her risk and getting him or her to help, a life can be saved.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours a day.
Learn the warning signs and what to do.
Among young people, friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, they don't say anything, but their behavior communicates that they are struggling emotionally. Any of the following warning signs and risk factors should prompt you to express concern, ask about suicidal thoughts and plans, and help your friend get help.
Among young people, friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, they don't say anything, but their behavior communicates that they are struggling emotionally. Any of the following warning signs and risk factors should prompt you to express concern, ask about suicidal thoughts and plans, and help your friend get help.