should I move out of the house because roommate had suicidal ideation

[helloworlduser]

Trigger: suicidal thoughts

My housemate (60M), who I (25F) barely know, told me that he had suicidal thoughts and has looked at gun shops. I asked if he had a plan, and he was like 'eh... no, no really'.

I listened to him, empathized, gave him therapist referrals and links to hotlines. Then I couldn't sleep for hours because my body was in fight or flight. I feel kind of tense when he is around and I feel pressure and responsibility.

I told my parents about it and they feel very strongly that I should move out. Their reasoning is I would probably feel tense and hyper-vigilant and it will drain me, not to mention that if anything did happen to him, it might traumatize me. I feel like moving out might be an over-reaction and my housemate is probably fine, although I really don't know. Having suicidal thoughts is normal but when it's someone else telling me about their suicidal thoughts, I have no idea how much they really mean it. I am not them. I can't gauge.

Should I move out?

This is kind of triggering my worst co-dependent tendencies where I feel like me feeling safe depends on someone else feeling well. I have to really watch my caregiver tendency

Yes, move. Not your circus, not your monkey. You’re not his therapist, not his carer, and it’s not your job to fix him. You’re 25 - you should be out living your life, not living with a 60 year old (and I’m not far off that) who’s thinking about suicide.

Agree completely, you should move out . This isn't your responsibility nor should it be. There's a risk things could get worse and you might end up feeling more trapped. I'd go now before you are too entrenched.

I’d suggest you move even if he was in a great frame of mind tbh. I don’t see much benefit to a 25 year old woman flat sharing with a 60 year old man, to say the least. His behaviour also sounds entirely inappropriate.

Thanks for the helpful responses! Gave me a much needed dose of common sense. For context, I live in a house with 3 people and the other housemate is my landlord who is 82. It's been a rocky journey...

Yes you should move out of this highly volatile situation and I would never stay in a house with a gun and I would worry he would use it on you before killing himself.

I would move out ASAP.
He is not your responsibility, and having suicidal thoughts is not normal.
When you’ve left I would inform the police about what he’s said about guns and his mental health - for the public’s safety as much as yours.
Unless he already has a gun license then it would be very difficult to obtain one, and you need an annual medical from your GP to renew it. If you know where is GP practice is I would also speak to them about what he’s told you, should he already have one or apply for a licence.
Other than that, leave and have no more contact. Absolutely not your problem!

I want to thank everyone for weighing in. I have decided to move out after reading the responses. This gave me clarity and also made me feel like I'm not alone. So thanks!