The suicide deaths of 17 teenagers in and around Bridgend, Wales, since January 2007 has put the ugly subject of suicide back in the headlines across the UK and Europe as a whole.

Try to get your friend or family member talking about their problem. It's not always easy, especially if the person has withdrawn into themselves.

Try to open up a path of communication. Perhaps say something like this: 'I've noticed you haven't been quite yourself lately. Can I help?'

Don't trivialize the problem. Never say, 'Oh, things aren't as bad as all that!' and don't act in judgemental way or sound shocked (even if you are!).

Try to be constructive: 'Have you thought about suicide before? What stopped you? What was it that made you want to live on?'

As your friend starts to respond, rephrase their statements and feed back to them what you think they've said. This allows them to fill in gaps in your understanding and it demonstrates that you're really listening and you really care.

This kind of empathic listening also helps your friend to order their thinking, following their thoughts and plans through to logical conclusions. If they open up to you, thank them for trusting you.

3. Try to Help Them Take a More Positive Approach:

It's important to try to help your friend solve the simpler aspects of their problem first - without treating the situation as simplistic.

Help them to see that there are solutions; that taking their life is not a solution at all. In fact, it leaves behind a long trail of new problems for others, and it wastes a precious life!

Point out that problems are temporary - they can be worked out, or at least managed. Suicide, on the other hand, is final.

4. Remove all Lethal Weapons and Potentially Lethal Drugs from House:

Suicide can seem a much more attractive option when the means are within easy reach.

So, don't give a severely depressed person the benefit of the doubt when it comes to sleeping pills or other drugs. Don't leave such things within their reach and be sure to remove all weapons, or articles that could be turned into weapons.

5. Don't Leave Them Alone Too Much: