A person having suicidal thoughts needs support as well as comfort. What's the difference? You provide comfort when you share in your friend's sorrow emotionally. You provide support when you attempt to lighten their load in practical, helpful ways. Even in the midst of pain and struggle, the day-to-day tasks of life go on. Things must be done that your friend may have difficulty doing. He or she needs someone who is committed to obeying Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
An example could be helping with schoolwork. You provide needed support when you volunteer to put together a small team of tutors to help your friend. Support may also include such tasks as helping clean his room, finding a part-time job, getting a ride to church, or other practical tasks.
How can you be a helpful support to your suffering friend? Watch and ask questions. If you are aware of a task your friend is already doing, you can say, "May I help you with that?" If you don't see something obvious to do, ask, "Is there anything I can do to help you?" Ask others who know your friend to help share the load. Your support will ease the burden and allow your friend to concentrate on dealing with his or her emotional crisis.
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