Suicidal friend-please help

[friendhavingbadtime]

I am a regular poster but have changed my name incase anyone could identify my friend. I feel as if I am out of my depth and I was wondering if anyone could help. My friend has suffered from depression for years, including PN depression. It has recently come back and she seems in a really bad way. She has told me she is having suicidal thoughts every day, plans doing it and the only thing that has stopped her so far is her kids. I have expression of dealing with depression as one of my parents has suffered for years but I haven't dealt with someone who seems so close to suicide. I am scared I am going to do or say the wrong thing. So far I have convinced her to go to the docs and get ADs which she has just started and she has an appointment with a therapist this week. I have told her to keep picking up the phone to me when she feels like this. Any ideas? Thanks

Sounds like you have given the best advice. Take care of yourself as well though it can be hard to have someone lean on you like this.

Call Samaritans, both your friend and you can call them for support

08457 90 90 90

You sound like a lovely caring friend, don't struggle through this alone

If you really think she's about to commit suicide or self harm, get in your car and take her to the nearest A & E, or call emergency services to send an officer or ambulance over. Don't waste time overthinking this or second guessing yourself. Let the doctors decide how to deal with it.

thanks very much for your posts. She has seemed a bit better the last day or 2 and is due to see therapists so am just hoping has turned a corner. Will do as you have suggested re samaritans and A&E if slips again. I just hope this is rock bottom for her and she can start to get better!

You sound like such a wonderful friend to have, to care so much.

Be careful though. The risks show that when people are coming out of depression, the risks of suicide are higher.
Do not waste time. Get her to the nearest A n E dept and insist on seeing the psychiatric liason doctor.
All the best to you and your friend x

The "Papyrus" association on 08 000 68 41 41 is helping young people in distress and wanting to comitt suicide. They might be able to give you some advice in which steps to take next and what would be the most appropriate things to say when talking to her.

Communication is key in such situation and staying close to the person whatever happens is crucial.

I hope for the best.