Every suicide threat should be taken seriously.  Don't write a person off as just trying to get attention.  If someone you know is suicidal they most likely are experiencing excruciating internal pain that they do not know how to manage.

Things you should know and things you can do if someone you know is considering suicide:

• By being willing to sit with him or her, you’ll help your friend greatly.
• Most people considering suicide are ambivalent; talking about it may help them with their decision to live.
• Suicide is a way to escape the severe pain, shame or fear they are experiencing; validate their feelings.
• Contrary to popular belief, asking a person if they are considering suicide will not encourage them to do it.
• Suggest different ways of coping with stress: take a walk, hot tea, long bath, read a book… anything with no stress.
• It’s extremely important to continue to be their friend… and don’t treat them much differently than you did before.
• Tell your friend about the suicide hotlines: Local—614-221-5445, national—1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK or TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY.
• It may be helpful to make a contract with your friend… something like, “Promise me that you will not hurt yourself before we talk again.”  Repeat the contract as often as you feel you need to.
• Get help! ...from family, friends, and professionals.  Don’t leave it up to them to get help on their own because they may not know how or be able to manage that task. 
• Determine if they have a plan: the how, where, when and what.  If it is lethal and they have the means, stay with them or take them to the emergency room.
• A lift in spirits does not mean the depressed person is out of danger; they may just be content with their decision.

‘SAD PERSONS’ helps determine the risk of suicide:

• Sex: More women attempt, but more men are successful.
• Age: Most people who commit suicide are under 25 and over 45 years old.
• Depression: 90% occur during depressive episodes.
• Previous attempts. Higher risk if they’ve attempted before.
• Ethanol (alcohol) or drug abuse: Increased risk.
• Rational thinking loss: Not “with it” pessimism, confusion, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions.
• Social support loss: has someone close died or left recently?  Is there social withdrawal?
• Organized plan: Does the person know where, when, how to act out suicide or have the materials needed to act?  Has the person started giving away possessions?  Has the person been making comments about not being around?
• No lover, mate, spouse, or children: No committed relationship is higher risk.
• Sickness:  Is death a way to end suffering...of a terminal illness?  Of recent sexual assault?  Of physical pain or emotional pain?