You Can Help
Do something. If you think a friend is considering suicide, the first step is to act. Dismissing their words and actions could be the difference between life and death. As their friend, you might be the best person to reach out to them. If you are not willing to talk to them, who will be?
Here's how you can help:
- Act immediately. Even if sworn to secrecy, the risk of losing your friend to suicide is not worth keeping a secret.
- Tell an adult. Whether it is a parent, a teacher, a coach, a school counselor, a youth pastor, or other trusted adult, seek their guidance.
- Take your friend’s words and actions seriously. Do not assume that they are joking when they talk about suicide.
- Remind your friend of their worth. Remind them that they are not alone in how they feel or what they are experiencing. Reassure them that suicidal thoughts are temporary, and that there is hope.
- The person who needs help is often blind to it, so help your friend see that they are depressed and need help.
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With the help of an adult or someone you trust you need to get your friend to a doctor or clinic. The reasons that cause your friend to be depressed or suicidal are medical problems that can be dealt with. Medication, counseling or therapy, and life-style changes can make them feel good again and alter a path that leads to suicide.
