You think your friend is depressed and may be considering suicide. Which of the following actions should you avoid? Tell him how concerned you are about him; you’ll probably embarrass him.

Question

Tell him how concerned you are about him; you’ll probably embarrass him.

Leave him alone to work it out.
Leave him alone to work it out.

Tell an adult you trust about the situation.
Tell an adult you trust about the situation.

Listen carefully to what he has to say.
Listen carefully to what he has to say.

Answer 1

In this situation, it is critical to prioritize your friend's safety and well-being. Here’s a breakdown of the actions you have listed:

1. Tell him how concerned you are about him; you’ll probably embarrass him.

   • Avoid this approach. While expressing concern is important, downplaying your feelings or worrying about embarrassing him may prevent you from effectively communicating your support.

2. Leave him alone to work it out.

   • Avoid this action. Leaving someone who may be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts alone can be dangerous and unhelpful. It's essential to offer support and to be there for them.

3. Tell an adult you trust about the situation.

   • This is a positive action. It's crucial to involve a trusted adult who can provide help and ensure your friend gets the support they need.

4. Listen carefully to what he has to say.

   • This is also a positive action. Active listening shows that you care and can create a safe space for your friend to express their feelings.

Overall, you should avoid minimizing the situation or leaving your friend alone. Instead, offer support, listen, and consider involving a trusted adult who can help.

Answer 2

pick one

Answer 3

Leave him alone to work it out.

This is the action you should avoid. It is crucial to be there for someone who may be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts rather than leaving them to handle it on their own.