People who tell others they are thinking about killing themselves usually ARE thinking about it.  It can be a way for them to reach out and see if others take them seriously, if others really care about them.  Just like a man who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge---he was looking for excuses not to jump.  He thought if anyone asked him how he was doing, or if any one smiled at him that day, he would not jump.  Some people are just looking for some reassurance that someone cares about them.

There are those who will have such dark thoughts that they feel they are beyond others caring and so will not communicate, but just make a plan and carry it out to end their lives.

The fact is, we are unable to determine the seriousness of their thoughts so we must respond each and every time in a serious and helpful manner.  We must take action.

Pat-Counselor