[rothko]

when people tell others that they plan to commit suicide it is often a cry for help. it is incredibly insensitive and idiotic to say something like, "if you meant it you'd just do it." the person is hurting and needs some immediate care. furthermore, often it is the case that people ignore these cries for help thinking they aren't real and then the person commits suicide. these are real cries for help. these are desperate measures. suicide is always a very real possibility.

it's not easy to kill yourself. think about how frightening a prospect that would be. people want to feel better. they want to avoid having to go to that extent. they want help. so give it to them.