Take it seriously. Maybe their problems didn't look big to others, but they were to them. Remember that suicide is a cry for help.
Most people are willing to be talked out of it if given the chance.
They want the pain to end more than they want to die but suicide may look like the only way out. People are afraid to seek help because they think their pain will be even greater. Getting help usually brings relief and new coping skills for problems. If people can trust others to become involved even when it feels awkward, they can control the risk of suicide before it's too late. Let the person talk about their troubles and feelings.