One of the most emotionally devastating things in the world is having a best friend who is suicidal. It’s so hard to process the fact that someone you’re so close to, someone you’ve known for maybe a few months or for many years, can be gone in the blink of an eye by their own hand. Going to them and acknowledging the problem directly is a terrifying conversation to have, but other comforting words you have to offer never seem to make the difference.

What people need to understand, is that in such a delicate situation there is almost nothing one can do to help with using just their words. There is no inspirational speech that can equate to simply standing by their side and holding their hand during their struggle.

What they need is not someone who will see the situation as something that isn’t a big deal or send half-hearted ‘get well’ texts without a single call, but someone who will go out of their way to visit them at a moment’s notice. They need someone who will drop everything when they hear that something’s gone wrong.

The best way to comfort someone who has thought about or attempted suicide is to spend the day with them. Have some lunch, go see a movie, let them know how precious they are to you through your actions. Get as many friends involved and go have fun in a large group, the more the merrier.

People who are suicidal often feel as though they are alone, and that no one will care if they die the next day. It’s important to prove how much they mean to you before it’s too late for them to realize it. By going out and spending quality time with a friend that’s going through trying times, you can save their life by proving how much you value them in your life.

If you or a friend are in need of help call these numbers:

The Mental Health Authority of Harris County: 713-970-7000 or 1-866-970-4770
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255