"The Teen Suicide Epidemic"

[Faith No More]

So if I know a friend or have a loved one who is depressed and then suddenly has an inexplicable rebound, this could be a warning sign? What, from your experience, could be done or said to find out and break that cycle before it's too late?

Yes, an inexplicable, quick turnaround can be cause for concern. If you are really concerned about the person, there is always involuntary hospitalization, but that should only be done when there is a great fear the person will harm themselves. If the person does not have professional help, i.e. a psychiatrist or therapist, urge them to seek it out. If someone already has professional help, then the best thing is to talk to them about how they're feeling and show them that you care for them. Avoid being confrontational at all costs as it will just cause more issues. Suicidal people feel alone in the world and the best thing you can do for them is to show them that you are with them in the fight.

Depression is a hell of a thing though, and if someone is determined to kill themselves it is very difficult to stop. The best thing is to prevent them from getting to that point.

I'm glad you're here with us (edit to clarify: that you survived and didn't deprive yourself and everyone else).

Thanks, I appreciate that, but to be honest, sometimes I wonder if it was a good thing. I am very content in my life now and my depression is pretty much under control. Is my life now worth all of the pain I've endured? I would say yes, but sometimes I'm not so sure.