Helping Suicidal Friends

by Bud Lambert

Most people who are having suicidal thoughts give clues or warning signs. Learning these will help you be a better friend and possibly help you keep a friend. Some behaviors that may suggest that a person is suicidal are as follows: shows signs of depression; talks about committing suicide; prepares for death by making out a will; gives away prized possessions; has attempted suicide before; takes unnecessary risks; has suffered a recent severe loss; preoccupied with death and dying; suddenly appears to be better after a long period of depression; increased use of alcohol and/or other drugs; says things such as "There is no way out" and "The world would be better off without me."
If you become aware that a friend is suicidal, there are things you can do to help. One is to show you care. Spend time with the person. Listen carefully...hear what the person is saying (observations, feelings, thinking, wants and needs). Don't criticize. Let them know you are concerned about the changes in their behavior. Let them know their feelings are common. You might even tell them about times you have experienced the same feelings.
Take the person seriously. Although not all suicidal threats should be taken literally, they must be taken seriously. Be willing to accept the problem as serious. Communicate through reflective statements that you understand the person's point of view about their problem(s).
Ask direct questions about suicide. Don't be afraid to talk openly about suicide. Ask the person if s/he has a suicide plan. If you think the person is in immediate danger seek help. Call the police. Call 911. Or drive your friend to the nearest emergency room.
Encourage your friend to seek professional help. The elders at Mt. Juliet have made provisions to help. For a confidential source of help, please feel confident to call on our elders.

August 9, 1998



Helping Suicidal Friends by Bud Lambert Most people who are having suicidal thoughts give clues or warning signs. Learning these will help you be a better friend and possibly help you keep a friend. Some behaviors that may suggest that a person is suicidal are as follows: shows signs of depression; talks about committing suicide; prepares for death by making out a will; gives away prized possessions; has attempted suicide before; takes unnecessary risks; has suffered a recent severe loss; preoccupied with death and dying; suddenly appears to be better after a long period of depression; increased use of alcohol and/or other drugs; says things such as "There is no way out" and "The world would be better off without me." If you become aware that a friend is suicidal, there are things you can do to help. One is to show you care. Spend time with the person. Listen carefully...hear what the person is saying (observations, feelings, thinking, wants and needs). Don't criticize. Let them know you are concerned about the changes in their behavior. Let them know their feelings are common. You might even tell them about times you have experienced the same feelings. Take the person seriously. Although not all suicidal threats should be taken literally, they must be taken seriously. Be willing to accept the problem as serious. Communicate through reflective statements that you understand the person's point of view about their problem(s). Ask direct questions about suicide. Don't be afraid to talk openly about suicide. Ask the person if s/he has a suicide plan. If you think the person is in immediate danger seek help. Call the police. Call 911. Or drive your friend to the nearest emergency room. Encourage your friend to seek professional help. The elders at Mt. Juliet have made provisions to help. For a confidential source of help, please feel confident to call on our elders. August 9, 1998	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM