Too young to die
Question
A friend of mine has attempted suicide three times but she says she doesn't want to die. Can I help her or is there anyone else who could help her?
Answer
Firstly, the fact your friend trusts you enough to talk to you about her suicide attempts means that you are already helping her through what is obviously a very distressing period. Being there for her, listening without judgement and taking her seriously is such a vital part of the helping process. Your friend opening up to you mean's a part of her wants to be helped. It couldn't have been easy for you to contact us but by doing so you have made another step towards her getting the necessary professional support.
You say she's attempted suicide three times but doesn't want to die. This is often the case with the majority of attempted suicides. Suicidal behaviour should sometimes be recognised as a cry for help and a way of ending pain rather than someone actually wanting to die. Befrienders International has more information on their website about feeling suicidal or depressed, they also have articles about helping a friend who is suicidal.
There are many organisations and support groups that can help both of you through this difficult time. A lot of people who are suicidal are clinically depressed so it might be beneficial for her to seek help from her local doctor (GP), anything she says is confidential and the doctor can refer her onto appropriate counselling services. If she's reluctant to talk to her GP she can get details of local counselling services from Youth Access on 020 8772 990.
It might be that your friend would prefer to talk to someone on the phone or by email rather that face-to-face. Samaritans have a 24-hour helpline offering confidential emotional support. They can be contacted at any time during the day or night on 08457 909090 or jo@samaritans.org.
SANELINE is a confidential out of hours helpline that also provides support, practical information and a listening service every day of the year from 12pm-2am, you can call them on 0845 767 8000.
Updated: 04/12/2007
Question answered by SANE
