By the Centre for Suicide Prevention, a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association
While some people who consider suicide do so fleetingly or only once in their lives, others may experience ongoing thoughts of suicide or experience them off and on over time. People may feel that suicidal thoughts are holding them hostage. Experiencing these thoughts may feel like absolute darkness, hopelessness, pain, and like nothing matters but stopping that pain. As friends and loved ones, we may feel at a loss to help.
If the person at risk of suicide is in immediate crisis, the emergency department is the right place to go. Otherwise, creating a safety plan is a good way forward.