Sometimes when friends are feeling depressed or suicidal, they don't just come out and tell you that they are in emotional pain. Watch for these warning signs that your friend may need help.

• She says things like, "I'm such a loser!" "I'm going away." "I just want to die."

• He used to hang out with friends, now he spends a lot of time alone.

• She's lost interest in school, extracurricular activities, or hobbies.

• He's extra moody and irritable.

• She's been drinking or using drugs.

• He dropped out of school.

• She's been acting violent, picking fights.

• He's been taking a lot of risks-driving drunk, playing around with a gun.

• She ran away from home.

• He cuts himself and burns himself with cigarettes.

• She gave away a bunch of her favorite things. She said goodbye to her close friends.

• He's tried to hurt himself. He took an overdose of pills.

1. Directly ask your friend if he's feeling depressed. Ask if he has thought about suicide. Let your friend know that you won't freak out or judge what he has to say.

2. Don't promise to keep your friend's "secret." You could save her life by getting help. Ask if your friend will go with you to talk to an adult about her feelings.

3. If your friend refuses to talk to an adult with you, go to an adult yourself. You may choose to talk with a parent, teacher, school guidance counselor or some other adult whom you like and trust.

4. If you can't think of an adult to talk to, call San Francisco Suicide Prevention at 415-781-0500. They'll help you figure out what to do.

You don't have to be suicidal to call the Suicide Prevention hotline.

5. If your friend has taken pills, poison, has a gun or is planning to kill herself NOW, call 911. This is an emergency. You must take action to save her life.

Your friend might be angry that you told someone about his suicidal feelings, but at least he'll be alive.

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