Whenever someone like your close friend or family member opens up something about his or her palns of commiting suicide, ever when he or she tries to say it in a joking manner, do not ever belittle or worse, ignore it! You may never know his or her plans before its too late. In people who have depression, the highest rate of suicide attempts are in women while the highest mortality rates for suicide is in men. It is because men, naturally, are always courageous ehough to carry their plans than women.

To the family and friends of those who are depressed and may plan to sommit suicide, here are some helpful tips.

You may be able to help someone who is considering suicide.

Take note that if the suicide threat seems real, and the person has a specific suicide plan. What you have to do right away are:

Dial 911 (or the police if 911 is not available) in order to stop the person from carrying out the threat.

Consider your own safety. Are you in a safe environment and the person will not harm you?

Never leave the person all by him or herself. You can request someone you trust to stay with the person, until help arrives.

Don’t argue with the person or make statements like “It’s not as bad as you think,” and don’t challenge the person by saying “You’re not the type to commit suicide.” Arguing with the person may only increase his or her feelings of being out of control of his or her life.

Talk about the issue as openly as possible. Tell the person that you don’t want him or her to die or to harm another person. Show understanding and compassion.

If you think that he or she has made a suicide plan, call your health professional at an instant.

Your health professional may be able to help identify a mental health specialist and arrange an appointment for a person you think is thinking about commiting suicide. An appointment with your health professional may not be needed in some cases.

If in some cases you are not able to talk with your health professional, call your local suicide hotline or the national suicide hotline which is (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255).

After a treatment plan has been laid out, you may be able to assist the person get the help he or she needs.