Suicide
Someone close to you has become so unhappy that they have considered killing yourself or even made a plan to kill yourself. It could be that you are concerned that someone you know is planning to kill themselves. Perhaps you are not sure of the risk in this situation and don't know how to act. While counselling is hugely beneficial for people who are having suicidal thoughts, you are going to need a different, more immediate service to cope with this crisis.
Suicide Prevention
Yourself
The fact that you are reading this page is a good sign. It is likely that you are having these thoughts on occasions, and are worried that a day will come when they will get the better of you. Arranging counselling is a good idea, but you need to think of how you are going to respond quickly to the onset of suicidal feelings and suicidal thoughts.
It is vitally important that you let someone know that this is happening to you; put aside any embarrassment or feelings of worthlessness and tell someone. Try to avoid situations where you are alone. When you can't avoid this, make use of helplines such as the Samaritans to help you through the worst.
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
Also, remember that the emergency services are there for people in your situation. You are their concern; if you are close to suicide then contact them immediately. Also, consider this:
The human brain has a habit of colouring every thought, every memory and every prediction with the feelings we are experiencing right now. How you feel now is not necessarily how you felt in the past, and not necessarily how you will feel in the future. Don't act, let the day pass and roll the dice again tomorrow.
Someone Close to You
If you are concerned about the risk of suicde with someone you know then the first thing to do is talk openly with them about it. Do not worry that you are putting ideas into their head - if they are really at risk then this will not be a new thought to them. Do not use vague and evasive phrases like, 'You're not thinking of doing anything stupid, are you?' Phrases such as this do nothing more than tell the other person that you are so scared by the prospect that you can't bring yourself to say it. They will probably respond by looking after you and sheltering you from the truth. Show them you are strong enough to bear their feelings. Ask them, 'Are you thinking of killing yourself?'. By bringing these thoughts into the open, you have already gone a long way towards helping them.
From here on in, your role is to listen. Then ensure that someone remains with them, at least until the risk of suicide has passed. Find out how they were planning to take their life, and work with them to disable this method; take the keys to the car, flush away the pills - whatever it takes.
Sometimes we are unable to be there to help, and sometimes that person cannot see that these feelings will pass. In these instances take advantage of the emergency services. The police and health service are equipped and trained to help in potential suicide situations such as these.
Once the worst of the risk has passed, make sure that the person at risk of suicide finds themselves a counsellor to work through their feelings. I may be the right person for this, and where I am not, I will work to find an appropriate counsellor.