If your friend becomes very agitated at the thought of seeking professional help don’t push it on them right away. Get the professional help for yourself, like a back-up player in helping you help your friend, and make sure they are aware of your friend’s unwillingness to seek outside help. They will be able to help guide you on how to get your friend to seek out professional help and will act as a support system for you.
Helping a friend back from the brink of suicide is work. It is emotionally and physically draining, and it should not be taken lightly. Nor should you ever dismiss a suicide attempt and pretend it didn’t happen. Suicidal people need to feel cared for, they need to know how they positively affect the lives of others and most importantly they need to feel safe. They need to feel that they won’t be judged or thought badly of for attempting to kill themselves. They need to know that they will be helped in dealing with whatever it is that has made them think suicide is the only answer. Most importantly they need the unconditional, unwavering support of friends and family.
Important Resources
Quiz: Is Your Friend a Suicide Risk?
Suicide Risk Indicators
Suicide Help Lines