Pat's Answer

Hi, you are very welcome to Ask Pat. Thank you for telling us what is going on in your life. 

You would like to know what to do if your friend tells you that he is going to kill himself. When you try to contact him, he is not answering you and you do not know what you should do.   

It sounds like you are a very good person, who cares about your friend who has confided in you that he is going to kill himself. It is understandable that you may be worried and do not know what to do if your friend does not answer you when you try to contact him.  

If you fear that your friend has done something serious like harming himself or attempted suicide, and you cannot get in touch with him or somebody close to him, you can call emergency services on 999 or 112.

We are concerned for you and your friend who has told you that he wants to kill himself. Both you and your friend have the right to feel safe and live a happy life, and not be hurt in any way. Have you spoken to a member of your family about how you are feeling and what your friend has told you? Sometimes it may be difficult to open up to those close to us and talk about how we are feeling. But talking really does help. Do you have another trusted adult or person in your life who you feel comfortable talking to, if you feel that you cannot talk to your parents? This adult can be an aunt, uncle, teacher, or a school counsellor. You have the right to be listened to and be heard, and be supported.

There are some organisations that might be of help to you such as: www.pieta.ie;  www.jigsaw.ie; www.yourmentalhealth.ie. You may like to look at these websites as they can help you understand what is going on for your friend and they may offer you and your friend a direction in how to avail of other supports.  The Childline website also has some articles which you may find helpful www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/ . It is important for your own mental wellbeing that you get the help and support that you deserve. 

If you feel that you cannot talk to anyone around you just now, Childline would really love to hear from you. You and your friend are welcome to talk to Childline by phone on 1800 66 66 66 or by text at 50101 or through our web chat at www.childline.ie.  Childline is here for you 24 hours a day, every day. Our services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental. We can support you individually and help you look at what options are available to you.

Thank you for reaching out to us. We hope these supports may be of help to you and your friend. Remember, you do not have to go through this alone. Childline is here for you and your friend whenever you would like to talk or chat.   

Take care of yourself,

Pat