If someone you cared about told you they were feeling like harming themselves, how would you react?

I was in a bad place after leaving the Navy. A stranger stopped me from jumping onto the freeway below.

Maybe upset for them, but never with them.

Never mad at them for not knowing how much I care. The moment is not about me and my feelings.

Never ignore them.

Would try to help by way of letting them know that I may not be able to take their pain away but I am there to listen. And offer hugs. 🫂

I dont ignore people. Its been done to me too many times.

I would tell them that i love them and would do anything to help, but they have to know what they need. I know my attempts at suicide and my self harming was the only way I knew how to deal with past trauma and pain.

I'd do my best to help. Been battling those thoughts since I was 11 and I know how loud they can be.

I wouldn't get mad. I know ultimately I couldn't do anything about it because people have autonomy and sitting with that is both a comfortable and uncomfortable part of life but I'd offer to be with them and try another form of outlet. You can't remove the issue but you can alleviate how they relate to it.

I don't self harm but whenever I've been in a downward spiral in other ways all it's taken to get back on track is long car rides and conversations in a car with family/friends that cared. Ultimately it's the space you hold for people that matters.

Depends on a lot.

Best I could do is just be with them.

I can't dwell on that subject, it affects me to much.

I definitely wouldn't ignore them or get upset with them. I would try to help them by talking with them and being right by their side for as long as they needed me to be. And i would try methods of harm reduction if i couldn't fully talk them out of harming themselves.

I would first ask direct questions on if they are planning to do it now or soon. Once I figure that out, I may call 911 as needed.

As a teacher, I've trained on certain protocols and verbiage, so I'd go that route. Ultimately, I would care and try to help.

I would try to be gently supportive I guess. Getting mad about that is weird.

No reason to be upset or mad at them for any reason or to ignore them either. That only leads to a bad outcome. Never take someone's cry for help as frivolous! First and foremost, listen to what they are actually saying and figure out how to help them, or if you even can help them on your own or need to enlist professionals. Some people struggle with more things on their plate than we can ever imagine. Don't be that person who ignores their cry for help and ultimately makes the situation worse.

Understand and listen first.
Do not ignore these warning signs.

And btw, why is this a 'fun to be around' post?.

I would keep loving on them and encourage to them to not hurt themselves.

No. I would ask them what is it that they need in that moment and try my best to help them .

Killing themselves and I didn't know how to react. I was confused and gobsmacked. I also felt a bit relief that they talked about it because to me it meant they were less likely to actually do it. But a part of me wondered if it was emotional manipulation because that wouldn't be for the first time.
Still, I openly say I have no idea what to do and how to help.

Id sit down with them and listen to them fully giving my undivided attention. I would suggest they seek help but not push it. Most of all listen and show compassion, be their shoulder so that they know I am there for them and care. Sometimes that's all a troubled person needs is just to vent and cry and know that someone is on their side who cares what they are going thru.

I’d stay with them as long as it took for them to be better. Sometimes it’s best just to be present

My best friend struggles with self-harm and suicidal ideation and the big thing is just to talk to them and also encourage them to get better, validate their emotions, intervene when things get out of control, and respect that they are a person with autonomy. It's hard. But I think I help. She says I do at least.

I'd try to make sure they were safe.

I was there when in my early 20s almost went though it.

Back then a commercial for suicide, prevention came on the television. I called it.

I'm here because anonymous phone call from a 1-800 payphone number.

They never asked for my name or anything. All they did was talk to me.

I would and have helped

Sending hugs your way 🤍

Id talk with them on the phone as calmly as possible and when done.....drive dafuq over .... and then wing it.

Its hard to know what to do in those moments.
Any intrusion can be triggering.

All i can say from experience is - dont let them lock themselves in a room alone.
That's when it happens.

STAY WITH THEM

I would definitely do whatever I could to try and help them.
I would be very sad, but not angry at them.

My first instinct might be to get upset, but I would repress that and inform them that they are worthy of love.

I'd try to help them