Friend is suicidal what should i do

If you're worried — ask. Asking someone if they're having thoughts about suicide can be hard. It can help to let your friend know why you're asking. For instance, you might say, "I've noticed that you've been talking a lot about wanting to be dead.

Have you been having thoughts about trying to kill yourself? If your friend asks you to keep these thoughts a secret, let them know you care about them and need to share this with a trusted adult. It may feel like you're betraying your friend, but you should always tell a trusted adult. Share your concerns with an adult as soon as possible. The important thing is to notify a responsible adult.

It may be tempting to try to help your friend on your own, but it's always safest to get help. Timing is everything when talking to someone about sensitive stuff. If possible, and if your friend is not in immediate danger, choose a time when you're both relaxed. If you're not sure what to say, you might try saying: 'I'm worried about you. You told me the other day you felt like ending your life. Do you still feel that way?

So, your friend has asked you not to tell anyone? They may be frightened of what might happen if someone else knows. The situation puts a lot of pressure on you, so the best thing to do is to talk to a parent, counsellor, teacher or doctor. Your friend needs to seek help from a parent or a teacher, or talk to a counsellor, psychologist, youth worker, doctor, or one of the helplines mentioned above.

Although it might seem hard for them, these people are trained to help others move to a better, happier mindset. Read up on suicide and depression. Just knowing that somebody cares about them can be reassuring, because they may feel very alone and unloved.

Remember, talking about suicide will not make a person take their own life or put ideas in the head. Listen Listening without judgment can help reduce the shame they may feel about their suicidal thoughts. Try to understand what led them to feel that way. This can feel dismissive. Take action to get help now Tell them that there are other options than suicide. Encourage them to get professional help Encourage them to make an appointment with a GP or a trusted mental health professional.

Let them know they can take someone along for support if it helps. Or you can contact a mental health professional or employee assistance program, family member or friend on their behalf.

Contact a specialist helpline for information and advice: Kids Helpline : 55 Lifeline : hour crisis telephone counselling 13 11 14 Suicide Callback Service : Call for urgent medical attention or police attendance If they have made a plan to end their life Check if they are able to carry out this plan.

Do they have a time, place or method of suicide in mind? Work with them if possible to dismantle this plan.