Someone who is contemplating about taking his own life is considered suicidal. This person looks at suicide as a means to an end – the end of unbearable emotional pain he feels, the hopelessness, internal conflicts and isolation and a lot more of the negative feelings.

It is a desperate cry for help but the person is confused and unable to understand reasonable ways to handle his problems. More people are now learning of ways to help out these people with suicidal thoughts and keep them safe from such kind of harm.

• If the person is suicidal, it would be a good thing to talk to him in a calm and reasonable manner. Try to let the suicidal person do more of the talking to let out his feelings. Try to be a good listener. Avoid arguments and hold off making criticisms and advices or comments. Try to show concern and sympathy by encouraging the person with more positive thoughts. Try to explain that there are safe and effective treatments for his case and that hope is always there as long as he is able to go on living. Always be there to support this person the best way you can.

• Take care of your overall health. Always be prepared how to handle a suicidal person. That means you should be strong enough to handle stress yourself as well as the suicidal person you’re talking to. You should be prepared to handle the anger, bitterness and all of the negative feelings that the person is going to give you most of the time.

• If you know that the person is thinking of suicidal thoughts, try to elicit from him some information like how long he has been thinking this way and other reasons which made him feel that way. This will help the person realize that you are there for him and ready to help him.

• It is also important not to leave the suicidal person alone. There must be someone with him all the time either a member of a family or a friend who is caring and knows about his condition.

• Try to make the home as safe as possible – remove the weapons, other sharp objects and chemicals and medications that can be dangerous to the person.

• Try to update yourself about more information about this kind of condition. Try to read some self-help medical books about suicide, or better yet get the assistance of a psychologist or counselor to help you out.

• If the situation is too hard for you to handle, try to seek medical help. Take the suicidal person to a doctor who can assess his situation. Treatment may come through medications, counseling sessions and even hospitalization if needed.

It may be a bit hard to understand why a person has suicidal thoughts. Yet, we can only do so much to help alter these thoughts by simply trying your best to encourage, show love and concern and more patience to this person who needs our help.

Jonathan Pitts

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