A Friend in need

Hi All.

I wonder if you can help me with some advice please. I have a friend who told me last night he tried to commit suicide the weekend and it did not work. He has some personal issues, I'm not sure what they all are. But he feels like he is all alone and will never find the right woman for him. He does not really want to talk it seems, he just says he is tired of trying and want to end it all. I'm not very spiritual, although I said I will pray with him so he will feel better. I'm trying to get him to pour his heart out so maybe he will feel better. I don't want to push him though. I know when I get so down, I don't want to listen to no one or no reason. But what do I tell him to make him feel better?
I said I will check on him everyday and we can take it one day at a time to improvement. How would you approach someone like this and what can I do to help him?

Thank you...

If I had a friend like that, I would try to be there for him but would not push him into talking about it. If he was not seeing a therapist, I would encourage him to and find one for him. Maybe look up support groups and offer to go with him the first few times.

I hope your friend feels better- he is lucky to have someone like you around!

Speaking from experience, I would inform the police or whomever is necessary to make sure he gets the proper help. You're not obliged to provide that sort of support. I don't mean to demean your skills/qualities, but he needs a professional. Your support will probably help, yes, but he ultimately needs professional help.

Keep us updated?

What you've already said is extremely kind . . . offering to check on him daily. Just taking an interest can mean more than any magic words. Also, talking him into doing something with you as simple as going to walk around a shopping mall . . . . anything that gets him out and moving around. You sound like a good friend.