Boyfriend attempted suicide - how do I help him?

[Confuzzled4]

The best thing for him is to get medical treatment until he's better, which takes time. The most you can do is speak with someone at the hospital, but you have to tread lightly until your friend gets help. Direct contact with him right now likely isn't going to help him, but if you say anything just say "I want you to be healthy and alive, nothing can be figured out until then. Please take care of yourself for now."

[drobs]

I'm going to blunt with something that I think you might've missed...
What were the knives for? Him or you?

It's something you need to keep in mind.

Back story - my Dad killed himself when I was 12. I dealt with serious grief issues during my High School years. Spent some quality time in 1 on 1 counseling and group counseling during those High School years and was finally able to move forward with life.

During college I had those same suicidal thoughts, but not actions, when life and school was uncertain. "Like father like son" was a thought that went through my head then. I think suicidal thoughts are common of men during that age of uncertainty - ages 18-26. You don't want to fail but feel like you are failing in life.

My answer and way of getting through it was to tell myself - "Tomorrow is a new day." Sure life sucks but you eventually have to deal with it, face the problem, take action to correct that issue in your life, and move on. Tomorrow will be different. I want to see what tomorrow brings.

Having lived through that - someone I deeply loved, killed themselves - I have a different opinions on suicidal folks. I think your ex needs to spend some more time at the hospital, needs to get counseling, & medication ASAP.

If I were you I'd say, hey I love you but...
You (he) need help and I can't provide it. I care for you but I'm not going to be responsible for your actions. You need to deal with those thoughts and actions 1st hand. You need to get help - counseling and medication.

[seeking]

I'd say it's important to find out the cause of his attempt...It may not be you to find it but maybe you could find someone who cares for him to do so? Some of his friends or family?

He shouldn't be dealing with this on his own but neither should you. If you feel like you are unable to be the one to help him, find someone who is capable of, and willing to and whom he would not reject.