It's hard to know what to do when someone you care about is feeling depressed or upset.

You can use the following list as a guide to good Active Listening:

DO:
Befriend
Consider the possibility of suicide
Focus on the pain
Ask if suicide is on their minds
Get involved
Allow the expression of feeling
LISTEN
Make life an option
Be non-judgmental
Get help from responsible persons
Stay with the person at risk
Keep details of the story confidential

DON'T:
× Lecture or moralise or give advice
× Think it is a passing phase
× Brush off feelings with inane remarks
× Be afraid that you will instil the idea
× Do nothing
× Trample on feelings
× TALK TOO MUCH
× Dare them to follow through with suicide
× React verbally or physically with shock
× Go it alone
× Leave the person alone
× Promise not to tell anyone

Remember, a good friend will always tell a trusted adult about a friend who is struggling with a serious problem, is deeply depressed or considering suicide.