Anger or “How could they do this?” Guilt or “I should have done more to help them. ” Fear or “What if they try again?” Avoidance or “I can’t deal with this right now. ” Minimizing or “They didn’t really mean it. They’re just trying to get attention. ”

Listen. Remove unsafe objects and weapons from their home. Involve other friends and family members for help. Allow yourself a break-to eat, to go to the bathroom, to rest-you’re only human.

Exercise on a daily basis, or at least a few times per week. Eat healthy and regular meals and snacks. Get adequate sleep, at least 7-9 hours per night.

Lecture them. Panic. Try to fix them. Abandon them. Make them feel guilty.

“I know this is really hard for you, but remember I’m here for you. ” “I want to be here for you and help you. Tell me what you need from me. ”

Help them to find a good counselor. Provide them with a number for a suicide hotline. Help them keep track of their medications. Volunteer to drive them to counseling appointments.

How are you coping? How long have you been feeling this way? Are you still thinking about hurting yourself? Is this the first time you’ve attempted to hurt yourself? What are your reasons for living?

Triggers that might lead to a suicide attempt, such as relationship stress or drug use. Contact numbers for friends and family. Contact numbers for a therapist, doctor, or mental health facility.

Frequent talk and preoccupation about suicide, self-harm, or death. Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Social isolation. Saying goodbye and giving away possessions. Self-destructive behavior.

Does your friend have a plan to take their life? Does your friend have the means to take their life? Does your friend have a time set in mind? What is your friend’s level of intention of carrying out their plan?

Avoid over-promising. If you know you can’t check-in on them frequently, get someone else to do so and be realistic with yourself and with them about how often you can spend time with them or check in. Follow through on any plans you set. Avoid being vague, such as saying “Let me know if you need anything. ” Instead you can say, “What do you need? I can come by with take-out food at 5:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays after I get off work, if you want?”