Answer: It is perfectly normal for adolescents to speak out loud about suicide. This is not the time for you to moralize, or tell the kid "Don't be stupid!" or deny the child's feelings ("You don't really think that!"). Again, take the time to listen, to help him/her analyze the situation. What seems to be troubling you? What's life been like for you up to now? How would you like life to be? What can you do to get the kind of life you want?
We don't expect you to be a trained social worker or psychologist. In fact, even highly trained professionals have difficulty at times recognizing true suicidal tendencies. If your mentee appears deeply depressed, or rejects your non-judgmental questions, by all means refer the situation to your Mentor Program Manager. As a mentor, you are part of a team. We won't leave you out on a limb. Just recognize your own limits.
