How to Identify and Support a Friend With Suicidal Thoughts

Published on

10th Mar 2025

how-to-get-rid-of-suicidal-intrusive-thoughts

Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts

The behaviours listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide:

Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills or buying a gun
Talking about great guilt or shame
Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
Talking about being a burden to others
Using alcohol or drugs more often
Acting extremely anxious or agitated
Withdrawing from family and friends
Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
Talking or thinking about death often
Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
Giving away important possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Suddenly putting affairs in order, making a will

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behaviour is new or has increased recently.

If you’re in a situation where you believe a friend or loved one is in danger of taking their life, first remember that it is important to be calm. Address the issue in a careful and sensitive manner. What you are doing by being there for them is very important as research has shown that close relationships with friends and family make us more equipped to deal with trauma. It lowers suicidal risk and the chance of suicide attempts.

How to Get Rid of Suicidal Intrusive Thoughts :

Ask

However difficult this may be for you, the best way to get an answer about whether someone is suicidal is to ask them. Do not get scared thinking that this will prompt them to take the step, just start with an innocuous question like “I’m concerned about you, how are you feeling?” It might give them the outlet they need to express themselves. Once they start to open up even a little bit, ask follow up questions about the nature of their feelings. Ask how long they’ve been feeling this way, if something happened to cause these feelings, or how you can be of help. Let them know that you’re there for them and even though you might not fully understand what they’re going through, you’re willing to do what it takes to help them.

If they want to talk, listen. You don’t have to offer advice or your opinion; just be sympathetic, patient and accepting of all they have to say. Remind them that help is available and that they are important to you. Don’t try to argue with them or disagree with their feelings by trivialising the issue and saying things like, ‘look on the bright side’.

Two things that you have to remember is that when a life is at stake, there is no benefit in allowing yourself to be sworn to secrecy about the matter. You will need the help of others to help them. Secondly, none of this is your fault and can only do your best to help.

Take precautions for their safety

Keep anything that could be used in a suicide attempt away from them. If you can, find out what their plan is and take measures to prevent it. Prepare a crisis plan, and keep emergency numbers and first aid accessible at all times. Be very clear on the time it will take you to reach a hospital, who to contact in case of an emergency and resources to pay for any medical intervention that may be required. If you’re really worried, do a practice run.

Always stay connected

Make sure that the person is comfortable sharing regular updates with you. Make them feel safe and accepted even when they are at their worst. It’s important not to show the judgement of any kind, because it may cause the person to hesitate to confide in you before a crucial step. Ensure that others around them, like a landlord or a roommate, know to contact you in case of a crisis.

Don’t hesitate to seek help yourself

Being the confidant of someone struggling with emotional upheaval can take its toll on you as well. If you feel yourself straining under the load, speak to a therapist or call a helpline. Explain your situation to them and ask for advice. To be able to care for your loved one, you yourself need to be healthy. Seeking help will empower you to be a better helper.

References

NIMH » Suicide Prevention - National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved January 6, 2017, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/

How can I help? | Mind, the mental health charity - help for mental .... Retrieved January 6, 2017, from http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/suicide-supporting-someone-else/how-can-i-help/

(n.d.). Risk Factors of Suicidal Phenomenon: Prevention and ... - Cornerstone. Retrieved January 6, 2017, from http://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1145&context=jur