How can we show support for a friend who is suicidal?

[Doghorsechicken]

Hi all,

DH met with a friend last night and he admitted he was suicidal. We are so shocked and saddened by this news as he has so much to live for. He has a wonderful caring wife and a 5 year old son who he adores. But we are at a loss as to how we can help. We are going to ask him to go to the gp for anti depressants but I doubt he’s the sort of person to seek help. We are going to ask him to cut down on his drinking too as it’s a depressant but we feel like asking him to do these things is possibly treading on his toes. Should we just be there to listen? Should we make more effort to see them? What should our role be as friends? We really want to help but don’t know how to approach things!

It is a significant step for your friend to have opened up admitted he is thinking of suicide. Let him know how brave it was to say something - speaking it out loud might have shocked him as much as it did you. Being there to listen is the most important thing.

It's really good that he's opened up. Your husband needs to keep that dialogue going. Is there a sport they can do together, or family walks you could all do at weekends?

Quite usually suicidal people think they are a burden and don't want to put stress on others, so emphasising that you enjoy his company and are there for him is important.

Also check in with his wife, it's really hard supporting and caring for a person who his suicidal.

There are online resources you can point him towards;

thecalmzone.net is a website and support for Men

You could also see if Mind run anything in his area.

But he must definitely go and speak to his GP if he hasn't already, they can help with what is available in the area, whether that's some sort of talking therapies and/or medication.

Thank you for your help. Let’s hope we are able to get him through this tough time.