We all have our own sets of problems but what sets people apart from one another is the support system they have. Sometimes, we can solve our problems on our own...and other times we reach out to those around us for help, support, and comfort. I don't think anyone is weak for reaching out, in fact that's what you should do. Isn't that what should happen...if something is going wrong, to reach out? I don't think there is anything wrong with the person reaching out but rather if they get rejected, the person who turns them away is at fault. You don't think so, but your friend is most likely going through a lot...you think that by being harsh, they'll "wake up" and realize that their problems are nothing...but you're hurting them more. You're contributing to their pain, their hurt, and eventually if it comes to it, their death.
I admit there are times in my life where I feel like I would be happier if I wasn't alive. For the people who argue that a life is precious and all the bullshit that follows, save your breath. I'll give you the generic response. You don't understand. Why? Because if you haven't experienced what it feels like to hit rock bottom and to not see a way out, then you won't understand. If you haven't experienced loneliness, the kind where even in a room filled with people, you feel alone, you don't understand.
Personally, I think you are a horrible friend if you tell the person who is going through these things:
1. Life is precious so they are (fill in the blank. ex. stupid, naive, etc) for thinking about death.
2. You're (fill in the blank. ex. stupid, naive, etc). Or any variation.
3. Why the fuck would you even say that?
4. You're just going through a phase in your life.
5. There are people in the world with real problems. (What are they then...imaginary? virtual? We live in the real world...everyone's problems are real).
and the worst one:
6. Stop being dramatic. Again, any variation of that too.
I'm sure you think that your so-called "kind words" of comfort are helping your friend, well, they aren't. In fact, you're damaging the person more than helping them. What these people want to hear is that they are worth something to you, that they matter, that if they end up committing suicide...that they'll be missed, and most of all, that no matter what happens, you still care and that you'll be there for them.
This is going to sound really harsh and I don't care if people blast me for it but YOU, the one who says shit like that to your friends who come up to you asking for help, if they committed suicide, YOU COULD HAVE PREVENTED IT. If you had shut the fuck up and listened to what they have to say, WITHOUT JUDGING THEM, without saying mean shit...if you had just said to them, I CARE, they would be alive.
All we want is hope.
So the next time a friend comes up to you with concerns over their life, think before you say something. You may be hurting them more than helping them.