6 Ways To Help A Suicidal Friend
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6 Ways To Help A Suicidal Friend

What do we say when someone is considering suicide?

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6 Ways To Help A Suicidal Friend
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Ever since 13 Reasons Why made it's debut on Netflix, the whole world has been pooping their pants over the topic of suicide. And that's as it should be. Suicide isn't something to tease; it's not funny, and it's not some distant illusion. It's real, it happens, and it's terrifying.

The worst part about having someone that you love kill themselves is the wondering: How bad did things get? How did I not notice? What was going through their minds? How was I so oblivious to their pain?

There is very little to no healing after a suicide. It leaves a hole in the people who loved that person. Fortunately, there are simple ways to help loved ones to avoid suicide.

Whenever someone comes to you and confesses that they're having dark thoughts, there are certainly right and wrong ways to handle the situation. First of all, we must realize: If someone came to you and told you this harrowing secret, it's because of two reasons. First, because they trust you and care about what you think. Second, because they don't want to kill themselves, they just don't see any other option at that point. Please consider these things very, very seriously.

Whatever you choose to say to them, make sure these main points are known to them.

1. Suicide will not solve anything.

I agree with the theory that suicide doesn't end pain, it only creates more pain for the people around you. This is a selfish point to make, so don't say, "What am I gonna do if you do this? Did you ever think of how that will affect the people that you love?" Don't ever say that. They have thought about how it will affect other people, that's one of the reasons they're seeking help.

2. I am here for you.

However you say it, whatever way you express it, they need to know that you care and will always be there when they need you. Chances are, you may have this conversation with the same person many times. There's no room for impatience or acting as though it's an inconvenience. There's just absolutely no room for it.

3. Silence.

Obviously, I don't mean to literally be silent throughout his whole process. I mean, be slow to speak and quick to listen. The person standing there in tears in front of you has been struggling with many, many things that are piling up around them. Once you get them to talk about it, they will have a lot to say. Don't be an interrupting pedestrian. Listen, it's that easy.

4. Offer solutions when asked.

They didn't come to you to get preached at, they came to seek comfort and maybe, sometimes, some advice. But don't be preachy.

5. Remain loyal.

Sometimes people reach out to several friends. Sometimes those friends aren't so loyal. People will say, "They said that for attention" or "I didn't feed into it". Don't agree with them. Don't remain silent. Don't tell them anything that isn't their business. Just say to them, "I'll be there for him/her whenever they might need me, because I'm his/her friend and that's what friends do."

6. Check on them.

If you're successful and you helped prevent someone from hurting themselves, congratulations. You helped to save a life. But your work isn't done. Simply keep in touch. Simply ask how they're doing, how things are going, and how they're feeling. Seriously, just a concerned text message every once in a while can remind them that they're loved, wanted, and their presence on Earth is appreciated.


Hopefully, this listicle helps somebody out there. And if you feel you have nobody, you're wrong. But if you don't want to reach out to a loved one, the suicide lifeline is a 24/7 service. 1-800-273-8255. Utilize it. Call or text a listening ear. I promise you this: You are loved, you are valued, and the world needs you in it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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