You think your friend is depressed and may be considering suicide. Which of the following actions should you avoid?
a tell him how concerned you are about him; you'll probably embarrass him
b leave him alone to work it out
c tell an adult you trust about the situation
d listen carefully to what he has to say
b leave him alone to work it out
Ignoring the situation or leaving a potentially suicidal friend alone to "work it out" could be dangerous. When someone is depressed or has suicidal ideations, they often need support, care, and professional help. Rather than avoiding the issue, it's essential to express concern, reach out to trusted individuals who can help, and provide a listening ear. Here's why each option stands:
a. Tell him how concerned you are about him; you'll probably embarrass him – It is important to express concern, even at the risk of causing temporary embarrassment. It shows that you care and might encourage your friend to open up or seek help.
b. Leave him alone to work it out – This is the action to avoid. People struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts often feel isolated and believe that no one cares about them. Leaving them alone can reinforce these feelings and potentially lead to tragic outcomes.
c. Tell an adult you trust about the situation – This is a proactive step to take. Trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, school counselors, or healthcare professionals, can provide support and may have access to resources for helping someone who is depressed or suicidal.
d. Listen carefully to what he has to say – Validating your friend's feelings by listening is very important. It shows that you take their feelings seriously and provides them with a safe space to express themselves.
Remember, if there is an immediate risk of suicide, it's important to contact emergency services or a crisis hotline right away to get professional help for your friend.