I'm not sure what to do...

[chimichanga]

I'm not completely sure why i'm posting this, i just need to talk to someone about it.

One of my best friends in the world. He turns 18 tomorrow. About a year and a half ago, his little sister who had just turned 6 died. She had brain problems from the time she was born and she actually lived a lot longer than anyone had been expecting, so it was kind of unexpected for my friend's family when she passed because they'd started to hope that things would be ok. and I know it impacted my friend really deeply, as it would anyone. and now, whenever my little "group" of friends at school is talking, whenever someone mentions death, he doesn't outright say that he wants to die, but it's apparent that that's what he means. last night, we were having a serious conversation and i asked him if when he says that he wants to die if he really means it or what. After a while, he said yes, he means it because he has someone to see (his sister). Now, I know him and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't try to actually kill himself at this point, but he's kind of said that he thinks everyone he knows would be better off if he didn't exist. I've sorta felt that way before, but now I know that my life isn't totally pointless, that there are people who would care if i was gone. He doesn't seem to know how many people it would affect if anything ever happened to him. or how much it would affect said people. last night I was trying to convince him that it would not be ok if something happened. i'm not totally sure i got my point across to him. and I'm just not sure what I should say or do or anything at this point. He needs to know how much the people around him care for him, and I tried to tell him, but I don't think he wants to believe it.
So i'm not sure why i'm posting this here, i guess i just need to actually talk about this. I guess maybe i'm asking for a little advice? what do you guys think i should do?

[Deleted]

I'm no expert, but it sounds like you did the best you could. Sometimes the best you can do is just let people know that you are there for them. Maybe you should recommend counseling or at least talking to a doctor or something. If all else fails, you should play him the Lifehouse song, "All in all." That's a good one and gets across a message of hope! And...take care of yourself, too. Don't let other people's despair affect you too badly. You can only do so much! Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.

[klein]

I'm sorry But your friend sounds like he really really needs therapy. I hope it will be okay

[blufindr]

I think you did the best you could have. All that you can really do, IMO, is to be there for him. Suggest that he goes to counselling - as much as I'm sure you're willing to help, I think a professional would be better equipped to help him through this.

Don't let what's happening to him get to you too much, either. I know people who worked themselves into the ground, trying to save others like this. It's an unfortunate side effect of suicidal thoughts and behaviour; the more prevalent they are, the more likely they are to affect others deeply. So please, also remember to take care of yourself.

[adhara]

It must be so hard to see your friend like that . I hope he'll be ok. Don't take it all upon yourself to pick him up though, he sounds like he really needs professional help before things get any worse.