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One of my relatives, thank God, survived a suicide attempt. Before going to visit him, we called the Suicide Hot Line for advice. They advised be supportive, but direct. For example, remind him of the impact on his mother, wife, sister and brothers, etc., if he succeeded. End every visit with a promise that he will not attempt again before your next visit. I remember one visit, as I was getting ready to go, I started off saying, I want you to promise me... and he said, "I know, that I won't do anything stupid." I said: "Right. And I will define stupid. Stupid is having anything to do with overdosing on drugs, or inflicting wounds on yourself." He also got excellent counseling, and has been alive now for 29 more years. He's been a blessing to us, to his family, and his second wife and her children. (His first wife left him while he was in the hospital - best thing that could have happened, IMHO.)

Thank God is right! That must have been VERY tough when that was all going on but nowhere near as tough on those who loved him (lifetime of sorrow!), if he had succeeded. Good, positive story. Thanks for posting. :)