How to Help a Suicidal Friend?

Posted on November 24, 2008 in Latest News

In true friendship we care for each other. We instinctively try to help each other during troubled times. The time spent together is much cherished and valued and, naturally, when a friend is in difficulty we try to extend a helping hand. During moments of depression, our shoulders are there to cry upon. What if your friend thinks of committing suicide? What can you do to prevent it? As the saying goes “ a friend in need is a friend in deed.” After all, how to help a suicidal friend is uppermost in you mind.

Tips to Help a Suicidal Friend

First identify the symptoms that lead to a suicide. The friend may be giving away things that she or she treasures the most. He or she may think of obtaining weapons, entertains morbid thoughts and thinks of death.
A person entertaining suicidal thoughts might also suffer from depression and other symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and hopelessness.
Do not leave the person alone.
Do not take the matter lightly. Be serious about it.
Talk to him. Try to reason out things with him or her.
Be caring and loving. Make him or her feel wanted.
Your shoulder should be there for him or her to cry upon
Do not argue.
Do not moralize.
Be a good listener.
Be patient.
Be reassuring.
Let him or her know the effects of his or actions on others members of the family.
Let him or her know that you are a trusted friend.
Do not lose your temper or cool.
Give space for yourself to cope up with the situation. Perhaps you can talk about it to a professional.
Express your concern
Try to divert his or mind in a more constructive manner.
Discuss other alternatives to suicide.
Consult a professional.

As a friend you would like to reach out to a person contemplating suicide. The question that is upper most in your mind is how to help a suicidal friend? You would like to make him or her feel that there are people who need him or her. The person who thinks of suicide should be made to feel that there are other alternatives to resolve a problem. It is not the end of the road after all.

How to Help a Suicidal Friend?

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