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What Should I Do?SuicideWhat Should I Do?<div class="ExternalClassBAFD44FB0C5244C2A1A8085B82323A4F"><p>​<span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">I would like to clarify that I am not considering suicide, but I have a friend who is. It's very scary and they refuse to talk to anyone but me about it, even though I am not an expert or an adult, but I want to do everything I can to make sure they don't hurt themselves or commit suicide. What should I do? </span><br></p></div><div class="ExternalClass1C95A9CD7197467CA56ECD44EAD0695F"><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">It's great you are reaching out to find ways to support your friend.  This person must be going through a lot in their life. Your friend  is lucky that to have someone like you that wants to help. You made a great choice to find support for you both. 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 the person.</span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">If there is any immediate safety concern, reach out to 911 right away. They are able to assist your friend by completing a wellness check if you are scared the person has 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, and validate their feelings.  You can also encourage them to reach out for help by speaking with a family member, asking them to call us here at the hotline, or informing a trusted adult to get further support. </span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">Here is a link to an article on our site that includes some helpful tips you could apply.  </span> <a href="/Pages/worried-about-a-friend.aspx"> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/worried-about-a-friend.aspx</span></a><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3"> </span> <br class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3"></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">Please also consider reaching out to your parents about what is going on and ask them to help. It is noticeable you care a lot about your friend and want to help. You are making the right choice!  We want to be a support for you as well. If you would like to talk more you may respond back via email and we will respond in 24-48 hours. If you would like a more immediate response, you can call, chat or text. We are here to offer you support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We are here to help.</span></p><p> <span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3">Nancy, counselor</span><br></p></div>15

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