Friend in trouble, in need of advice (possible trigger)

So I'm sure most of us on here are familiar with the feeling of not wanting to be alive. In the depths of depression it is easy to feel like there's no hope. I currently have a friend with mental illness who, based on Facebook posts and messages, is at the point where he feels his life is worthless. I've dealt with friends wanting to take their lives, this is the third person in a year's time, and i know how hard it is to change your mind and perspective when in that state.

I guess what I'm asking for is if anyone has advice on what, if anything, I can say to help change the way he is seeing his situation. I know I may be asking for the impossible, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

I am being faced with the need to intercede with a friend as well. My plan is to sit down with their family and a few friends and have a (careful) intervention. We are just at a loss of what else to do.

I don't have much advice, but just be there for him, let him know he's not.alone, stuff like that. Hugs

Sorry about your friend. Life has peaks and valleys, ebbs and flows. I s your friend into setting goals or just like to drift? Society places a lot of pressure on everyone and says you should succeed. I tried the business world, grinding away at some meaningless job and I would start to think if this is what life is all about. So I decided to drift. If you read any Albert Camus on the absurdity of life, you might find some ways of tackling the problem from a different angle. Try things that make you happy. Not having hope is something I run in to from time to time and I try to find something relaxing to do and wait for the day to end, hoping tomorrow will be better. A good night's sleep can do wonders.

That is a very hard situation to be in, the best advice I have to just remind them that you are there for help and anything you can do for them. Maybe to sit with them, watch their meds ect. Whatever they need.

Maybe help your friend do some of the activities, go to some of the places, your friend usually enjoys. Even a little bit of enjoyment (joy) can help to change our biology.

Sometimes, people need to talk about their anger, disappointments, frustrations and sadness. Inviting someone to tell his/her story can help a lot. If so, listen with undivided attention.

Lots of good suggestions above.


WC

Thanks for your responses. I talked to him after a few days of hearing nothing and he seems a bit better. Like someone said to do, I was just there to listen and encourage him. He lives 45 min away, but I think I'm going to get him out doing some photography soon. Thanks again.