Article: It may seem obvious to pose such a question, but doing so shows your genuine concern and commitment to helping your sibling get better. Professional help is required to help your sibling overcome whatever they're feeling. However, there may be something you can do immediately to make them more comfortable or temporarily distract them from upsetting thoughts or feelings. Approach your sibling and say, "You haven't seemed like yourself lately. What can I do to support you better?" Simply listening to your sibling vent their frustrations or fears may offer them some level of comfort. Rushing to reassure or dismiss without hearing the person's full story is a common mistake made by friends and loved ones of suicidal persons.Pull up a chair and find a quiet place for the two of you to go so that they can express what they're feeling. Actively listen by: Asking open-ended questions: "What happened to make you feel this way?" or "How long have you been feeling this way?" Summarizing what the person said: "So, you've been feeling pretty bad ever since you dropped out of college." Reflecting, or repeating a word back: Your sibling says, "Yes, I've felt just lost in my life since then." You can reflect by repeating, "Lost..." to encourage them to continue. Clarifying points that the person skirts over: "Tell me more about that." Reacting to the message: "You have really been having a tough time. I appreciate you sharing your feelings with me." Becoming angry because they want to take their life, blaming yourself or your parents for how they feel, or chastising them for breaking moral or religious principles will only lead to your sibling retreating further into themselves and pushing you out. Leave your own ego and agenda at the door. Being a source of support means putting aside any differences of opinion to show genuine concern for this person. If you have the urge to state a judgment, such as "Oh, that's what bothering you?", just don't say anything at all. Practice your active listening skills and be present for your sibling. You might say something like, "We all think or feel things we aren't proud of. I won't judge you for what you think or how you feel." Feeling depressed and suicidal can be the equivalent of having a stormy gray cloud overhead that doesn't seem to ever leave. Give your sibling a small ray of sunshine by demonstrating your belief in them and hope for the future. You might say something like: "I know it seems hard, but you can feel better with professional help." "It may not look like it today, but these feelings are only temporary." "You are not alone." "Your life is important to me. Whatever it takes, I will help you through this." If you and your sibling generally have a touchy-feely sort of relationship, a hug just might show them how much you care. Hugs release oxytocin, a hormone that is known to reduce stress and increase the sense of trust and security. If a hug isn't your guys' thing, a pat on the back or throwing an arm around their shoulder might do the trick. If physical touch isn't normally exchanged between the two of you, show your concern in verbal ways like listening or asking how you can help.

What is a summary?
Ask how you can help. Listen to show you care. Refrain from judging, criticizing or blaming. Be hopeful. Offer physical touch.