Serious Situation or Crying Wolf? - How to Deal with Crying Out for Attention Through Suicide Attempts

Suicide is a very serious problem. Any and all suicidal tendencies should be treated as very real and serious in nature. Even if the person has attempted suicide in the past, the issue must be addressed. Often, people who have attempted suicide in the past and threaten to continue the behavior, will do so. Each suicide attempt tends to escalate.

As a friend, you may be thinking that he or she has tried this stunt before. The individual is merely crying out for attention by crying wolf. Although you are correct that the suicidal individual is seeking attention, this is not the time to ignore the problem.

Do not go about this on your own. It is so easy to back off from the friendship at a time like this. You may feel that you do not want to be dragged down by the situation. Of course, do not place yourself in harms way. A good idea, is to secure assistance for yourself. If you are not qualified to professionally help someone who is suicidal, it is always best to try to get the person in touch with someone who is qualified to help. If the suicidal individual refuses help or treatment, it is best not to force the issue at first.

Find support for yourself during this time. Dealing with a suicidal friend or family member can be extremely stressful and mentally draining on a person. Hotlines are available toll free to help with this issue. Talk to a parent, hospital, or other supportive individual. Do what you can to help while keeping yourself safe.

Be encouraging to your friend or family member during this time. The suicidal person needs to know that they are loved and important. One reason for the attempts are to gain control. A person contemplating suicide often pictures their own death in terms of a funeral. They will fantasize about all the people coming to mourn. In their mind, this is a way of regaining control over their life. Maybe they see no way out of a situation, This idea may sound very strange to someone who is in a stable state of thinking, but I assure you that it is very real to the person who is suffering.