How to help a suicidal person

Every now and then along comes someone who is desperate, even to the point of contemplating suicide.  Such a person is always truly depressed, so we can really help people by being alert to signs that this person is becoming depressed.  When the depression settles in even to the point of suicidal thoughts, those who love this person need to kick into action immediately.  Voicing suicidal thoughts is a first step in moving toward acting on those thoughts, especially if a specific method is already being thought about.  When a person is that depressed we need to get this person to a hospital, even if he or she is resistant to such an idea.  Usually such a person will say, "No, I can work this out myself."  Not so.  When persons are this sad, medication is absolutely essential to help them, and they need ongoing therapy to work through the causes of depress.  And as a disciple of the Lord, you and I can and must move into action.  Such a person is greatly helped just by the caring involved in helping get help.  More later, especially on the spiritual dynamics involved in depression.