So i found outsomething extremely shocking today, someone I know tried to kill himself. For the purpose of now let's call him Ben. Ben and I were really close in primary school and he was the happiest person I knew and when I would cry he would cheer me up. But then I started secondary school and then we never talk as much anymore which is understandable. As a result he and I drifted apart but with a mutual understanding. Now we just started year 10 and I come back to school and he wasn't in form, turns out he was in a special center to help him get back and I'm glad that he didn't actually die. But I found this out very late and I was just thinking "how could he do this? Why?" Because his parent are lovely people and they always made sure he was doing okay as he had been struggling with depression for a little while and he had plenty of friends that he could trust. So many people loved him. I honestly just wish I could have helped him more Ben always cheered me up and now I can't cheer him up, I'm only in year 10 and I do not know how to deal with this. I know that other people have had people closer to them try and commit sucide, I feel a bit selfish for doing this considering that fact but if anyone can give advice I would be very glad.

The general situation is the same as my stepbrother's, I can understand the shock. You shouldn't feel selfish - you are thinking of another person, a friend. Probably the most important advice I have to say: when you talk to Ben, do not ask why he wanted to kill himself. If he decides to open up and talk to you about it, then maybe you can ask a few questions, but don't be insensitive. Even people with seemingly good lives have their reasons, don't push them. When Ben gets out of the clinic, act as you usually do. Be nice. A lot of people come out of such clinics and get made fun of - "oh, so you don't have the guts to kill yourself" - don't add to that stress. Don't treat him any different for it. If he's up for it, do something fun together. Even if you haven't talked in a while, you still might have an idea - if he liked sports in primary school, invite him to meet you at a field one day to play that sport. If he declines, don't push it; if he accepts, like I said before, be nice. While he's still in the center, try to contact that center and ask if you can send something like a candy bar. The thought can be appreciated. Don't overthink - you can't be in control of the situation, but you can still help. Hope everything goes over well.

I haven't got much advice to give as I don't know his situation. However, those living what seem to be the most happy and fulfilled of lives, are often the most depressed, broken, and alone. In my experience with this sort of thing, don't downplay what he's done or ignore what he did. It's a complicated thing talking to people like this; just show that you're there and ready to listen, but don't pressure him into anything.
"I don't want to bother you about it, but know I'm always just a text away if you want to talk" sort of thing. And if they do reach out, grab a hold, don't ignore them. And commend them on what they told you; we all know how brave it is to reveal the inner workings of our mind and deepest feelings to someone, but tell them anyway. "I know at times you may not see it as much, but opening up to me like you did was very brave. Thank you for trusting me with this. It makes me feel good you can trust me like I trust you."
Generally, if they're battling anything like I have been for the past 10-odd years... Don't leave them feeling alone. Ever. When we are alone, we think. And when we think, we work things out. We find ways to turn the best day into the worst. We can convince ourselves not only that we are unloved, but why we are unloved; and soon enough, we believe it. No matter what people tell us. Best of luck.

Just because his school life and family life are good doesn't necessarily mean that he's happy or maybe he feels trapped, frankly we don't know. But you can still help him though. Be there for him but if he is still acting that way maybe tell him that he has people who will miss him! And that killing himself would hurt many people! Just be there for him, that's all you really can do I guess. Tell him that you're there for him because he has been there for you! ^^ I hope that helps! Best of luck!

Thanks to everyone who helped! I never thought I could get a resoponse so quickly and I will try these things when he's back at school.