From what I've learnt from my suicide prevention training you're right agwoodliffe!
To simplify
- Look for invitations e.g. saying "its all going to be ok soon, I'll be all over soon," isolation, giving away possessions, irritability
- Address the issue directly - ask them "are you thinking about suicide?"
- Get them to tell you their story, listen non-judgementally and with empathy (don't interrupt or give advice or dismiss them or their feelings)
- Look for a turning point - a reason for them to go on e.g. parents, family, friends, pets, the fact that they haven't done it yet or they're talking about it to you
- create a safe plan - something to keep them safe for now e.g. watching a movie, going for a walk, getting a coffee
So this model is about immediate crisis and preventing suicide for the moment, not really long term - thats the job of medical professionals, so get them to make an appointment with one after they're not in crisis anymore.
If you're interested take a course in suicide prevention. The one I did was called ASIST but its only in Australia