I have a friends who is always going on about how it would be better if they die. They were caught cutting at school and are about to be expelled. I hate people who think death is some wonderful way to escape life's issues and think they may be faking but can't be sure. I don't want to say the wrong things since I am bad at pep talks and my last attempt left him confused.I want to get my point across that death isn't the answer. any tips?

I don't think someone would fake that just to risk being expelled. Most likely, that's their true feelings. Pep talks is also not the answer... I'm sorry. However those kinds of feelings aren't something that can be helped with just some inspiration or encouragement from someone else. It might come off as a bit condescending, and that's probably why they were confused last time.

My advice is not to talk, but to listen to him. Try letting him know that he can talk to you at any time, exchange details, do stuff like that. If that's too hard to do, then that's fine. I know you only want to help so a pep talk might seem the simplest option. At at the end of the day though you can only really help if you know his situation.

Okay not bad advice, that's usually my way of doing things but I feel like I should do more. I hate feeling useless and unable to help. That is one of my family traits, guess I needed to hear I can't actively help him out. I'll be patent with him. Thanks Spare!