Article: You need emergency responders, especially first-aid, to be there as soon as humanly possible. If you need to be with someone and they won't let you call, try to get someone else to call. If someone is on a bridge, holding a weapon, or otherwise threatening their own life, your first move needs to be to call emergency services. You should never try and handle this on your own. Mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, should be notified as soon as possible. If someone is adamant that you don't call the police, call the National Suicide Hotline (in the USA) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will not be "putting the thought inside their heads." Suicide is everywhere in modern media and news, and mentioning it will not be the spark that makes them decide to take their life. You need to be direct, open, and honest with the person if you want them to be direct with you. Ask if they have a specific suicide plan. Is this a recent thought or have they formulated a plan? If they have, do not leave them alone under any circumstances. instead of trying to fix them. The most important thing you can do to prevent suicide is to just listen to the person's problems. You do not have the skills or knowledge needed to "fix" someone with suicidal tendencies, so don't try. Just let them talk about their feelings, their desire to kill themselves, and their issues. Ask simple, kind questions: "What's wrong?" "What is causing you to feel like this?" "How long have you been thinking about this?" "Tell me about your thoughts." Never argue with someone or try and convince them not to kill themselves. You just need to listen and validate their distress. Don't tell someone, "You have so much to live for." Someone contemplating suicide has already rejected this idea, deciding they don't have much to live for, and this will only reinforce the thought. Instead, try asking them, "What has kept you fighting against ending your life so far?" and help them focus on what they value in life. It doesn't matter how angry or upset they are, a suicidal person cannot be left to themselves, even for a moment. If you cannot physically be with them, make sure there is someone who is. Now is not the time to worry about what they thinkyour continued presence will often prevent them from doing anything drastic, and they will appreciate your love and care later. This is likely the hardest, most painful decision and moment in a person's life. They do not want to hear that "it will all get better" or that "this would crush your family." He/she needs to hear that you are there for them. Let them know that you know "things must be really awful right now," and that you are there to support them. You can admit that you don't have any answers, but still be there for them to rely on. Remember, your job is just to listen and be a friend, not "fix" them. It's important to encourage the person to seek help from a therapist or at least from other friends and family if they're not willing to consider therapy. Let them know that you're there for them, too. You might also offer to help them seek support, such as by looking up therapists with them, contacting a family member or friend of theirs for them, or providing them with other resources to help them. The person might also benefit from telling their employer and requesting reasonable accomodations while they seek help for depression.

What is a summary?
Contact emergency services immediately if someone is about to end their life. Ask them directly if they are thinking of ending their life. Listen to their problems Do not leave the person alone. Show compassion and empathy with their plight. Encourage the person to find ongoing support.