Bulletin Board Post

Suicide

Worried About My Friends

<div class="ExternalClassA1931C10889D46BAB812C445B30488C5">I am extremely worried about my friends. I have two suicidal friends. One a boy and the other a girl. They are the same age as me and are experiencing some difficulties. They tell me not to tell anyone about them being suicidal but I can't hold it in anymore. I've tried telling my parents but they don't really know what to do either because they don't know if they are being serious or not. I honestly don't think they would really do it but I would never forgive myself if I was wrong. My guy friend, just the other day sent me a video of him loading a gun and said he was going to do it. I luckily talked him out of it but he said he was going to, just not that same day. When I came home crying, I told my dad who was standing outside waiting for me. He told me to try a suicide hotline which is what I'm trying to do but people aren't responding. My girl friend, today is trying and contemplating suicide. I am trying to talk her out of it but idk if it's working. </div>

<div class="ExternalClassAE9E7657B18F479CB79C62E821444A15">It’s great you are reaching out to find ways to support your friends. They must be going through a lot in their lives. They are lucky that to have someone like you that wants to help them. You made a great choice to find support for both you and your friends. It can be scary when someone you care about makes comments regarding taking their own life. It can cause us to be unsure, as we don’t know what to do or say. It is good to keep in mind you are not responsible for any suicidal actions they take. You can only focus on what you are able to control which is how you react and the steps you take to get your friend support. You cannot control anything they do and you cannot fix them. If there is any immediate safety concern, reach out to 911 right away. They are able to go assist your friends and can complete a wellness check if you are scared they have done something or will soon. When speaking with a friend who is feeling suicidal the best thing you can do is believe what they are saying, listen to them, validate their feelings, encourage them to reach out for help by speaking with a family member, or asking them to call us here at the hotline, and then finally informing a trusted adult to get them further support. It may upset your friends that you are reaching out to an adult on their behalf, but you also may be saving their lives. It is noticeable that you care a lot about your friends and want to help them. You are making the right choice! Here is a link to an article on our site that includes some helpful tips you could apply. While this is specific to helping a friend online the steps you can take are very similar. <a href="/Pages/tip-helping-someone-online.aspx" style="background-color:#ffffff;">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/tip-help-online-suicidal-person.aspx</a>. We want you to know that we are here for you. You can also give your friends this contact information and encourage them to call for support. Take care. Nancy, counselor </div>

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