Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

What do you say to someone who is talking about killing himself?

One of the responses to the question, "What is something you've talked about doing for years, but still haven't gotten started on?" (the question of the day 2 days ago) was "Killing myself." When I first saw that, I thought that the guy who said this couldn't be serious. But then, just in case, I said, "I hope you aren't actually considering doing that." He responded, "Yes I am." I didn't know what to say to him. I suggested that he try to get some help, but he said that it just didn't seem worth it, that his life just wasn't worth living anymore.I know next to nothing about this person. All I know is that he is an EP user, male, ages 18-21. I know that this can be a difficult time in anyone's life. This is when we're trying to figure out what we want to do with our lives. We know that we need to become independent, but we don't always know how. It can be a little scary. I also know that this person isn't really my personal responsibility, but I want to help if I can.

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

Speedman555

Most are looking for attention or they would just go do it. I usually let them know there are terminally ill people begging to live and that would trade in a heartbeat. Think about that. Quit being so selfish. Im always a little harsh because i think its mostly dramatic attention seeking people. Only a handful are serious. I tell them they should think about the good memories that they have in front of them too. They'd be taking away any chance of happiness for themselves.

View 1 more replies »

Speedman555

And more often than not seeking attention. I know it can be tough to tell the difference and if someone here wants to sift through them all and determine the real at risk people, thats fine. But you seem angry about the lack of understanding towards someone who ur assuming is really suicidal. My opinion is people are extremely tired of the boy who cries wolf. If you are more qualified to determine the validity of his honest intentions, then i say you're definitely onto something. But to expect people to cater to every kid who's having a tough time is unreasonable.

Speedman555

I agree with that. Kind words can help people and theyre free. Im all for that

TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F

I wish I knew how to tell the difference. But I'm not a psychologist. I do feel, though, that I would rather try to give someone support who isn't actually about to kill himself than assume that he's full of it and then have him actually do it. I really wish I knew, though. Of course, I also have my own life to live. I have lots of things that I need to do today. So I have to take care of myself first, and then just do what I can.

sogdianrock

hi TeresaRudolph71
Be honest and say you cannot stop him but will help if you can. Suicide is a choice. You can suggest other choices but taking responsibility for another person's choices is a mistake imho. The person wants to have the self respect of at least having chosen to live. After all if a person really wanted to kill themselves they would not be talking with you at all.
Best wishes
:)

View 1 more replies »

sogdianrock

hi TeresaRudolph71
respect
:)

TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F

Wrong that it has to be their choice? I suppose that if I knew where the person was, I could call 911 and have someone sent to where there are, but I have no idea where this person is. It's hard to feel so helpless. All I can do is just try to point them in the right direction to get some help and then hope that they take it. But I can't force them. If I were actually with this person, maybe I could.

sogdianrock

hi Cinnamonfern
well if so that is a serious matter.
Apologies
:)

peteythedog

That's a tough one. I had a coworker that did commit suicide. He acted the same before the act. Upbeat, full of life and then...it was quite a shock to us at work. Perhaps the others folks here are correct. Maybe the young man is seeking attention, I don't know. My coworker never once mentioned any problems, he just did it I'm sorry to say =(.

TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F

Sorry to hear about your coworker. It is often hard to know what someone is really thinking. I've heard that sometimes, just before someone commits suicide, they do seem very upbeat and happy. I've heard it said that this is because they feel such a great sense of relief at having made the decision to end it all and at not having to worry about anything anymore. So if someone seems to be agonizing about it, maybe that's a good sign that there's still hope that they might choose life. At least, I hope so.

peteythedog

I really hope so too. Thank you for the apologies on my coworker. A supervisor at work said something I won't forget, 'suicide is a long term solution for a short term problem'

xkmb

i have tried talking to a few of those people here and they become argumentative or have an excuse toavoid any help you offer. i dont know what to tell you, but i think they just want attention/drama- since they are here. really suicidal people seem to withdraw , not go public

pearllederman

you could try telling ep about it since they have people's addresses and can call the police in his area to go pick him up and getting some help, ive done that on yahoo answers when someone would talk that way

TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F

Thanks. I didn't know that EP had that information and could do that. If I find out that he's serious about it after I chat with him a little bit more, maybe I'll do that.

pearllederman

also, sometimes its the people that dont talk about it are the ones that do it, i had a neighbor kill herself and i had no idea she was going to do it and another friend long ago overdosed on heroin and i had no idea cause he never talked about it

sighmeupforthat

i knew someone like that.. eventually they were murdered.

TeresaRudolph71 · 51-55, F

Add a comment...