Without knowing the cause of his depression and details about his life like if he has family or friends to live for, I can't really tell him anything. Suicide shouldn't have a stigma. Everyone has the right to die. And if I don't know why he wants to kill himself or details about his life, I don't feel it's right for me to tell him not to. Who's to say he isn't better off dead? Blindly telling people to stay alive just for the sake of it is dumb, wrong and kinda rude, in my opinion. I would hate if somebody who doesn't know anything about me insisted that I not kill myself especially if I want to die for good reason. If they encourage me not too but ultimately allow me to make my own decision if I I refuse to listen, then I don't mind. I will say, however, that I don't like the idea of kids killing themselves because of bullying. I feel bad for them. They shouldn't do it and they should be helped if possible. But if an adult with nothing to live for or who hates this world says "Fuck this world. Ive had enough. I'm out of here." who am I to say no?
I can tell you what I wouldn't tell them. I hate when people tell suicidal people that they're being selfish if they commit suicide because other people care about them. We must live (or not live) ultimately for ourselves, deeply suffering so that others don't have to see us go would be imbalanced. It's selfish of the people who say that to a suicidal person to expect them to live in suffering just so others don't have to deal with their loss. It's a manipulative ploy. And the most it will probably do is make them feel guilty about committing suicide, as if it weren't hard enough already.
Anyway, as to what I would say, I'm not sure, but I probably wouldn't try to search for the right words to convince them not to do it. Just because most people fear death more than anything doesn't mean suicide necessarily isn't the best thing for them. Bite the bullet and let the poor guy end his misery. (If you really have a good reason to believe his suffering is only temporary, then that's another story. But only if you're realistic..)
I'd ask them what is the root of their depression? After all, that emotion is something quite blinding and NO MATTER what I could tell them unless they worked through their agony they could better their overall situation. Suicide is a deep cry for help. It's something that happens to many and it takes great strengths to overcome. Of course, life isn't easy, to live is to battle the many obstacles that may be. Of all the downfalls and tribulations, one thing is true that no matter how dark (there will be a light or glimmer of hope eventually). You just have to try something new, because in life anything is possible.
Pain is temporary, living in the database is forever.
I would not only tell him something. I would become his friend and have long discussions with that person. Someone needs a friend.
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