KEILAR: It's very difficult to watch a loved one struggle with depression, maybe even more so during the holidays. In this week's "Empowered Patient," CNN senior medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen has some simple suggestions on what you can say and do to help.</s>ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN SR. MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, the holidays are a happy time for most people. They can be a time of great sadness for other people. Well, how would you know if your friend or spouse or someone else needs your help, needs to be convinced that things aren't so bad, and that they shouldn't do some things as drastic as take their own life. In this week's "Empowered Patient" -- how to save a friend from the brink. How to recognize signs that your friend could be suicidal and what exactly to do, what to say to them to help save them? It's difficult to know what to say and do in this circumstance. Here are some things you shouldn't say: Don't say, "I know how you feel," because chances are, you really don't. Also, don't say, "Just snap out of it." And certainly, don't ignore it and don't keep secrets if your depressed friend tells you something and says don't tell anyone -- don't tell anyone I'm thinking about killing myself. Obviously, that is not a good secret to keep. Now, here are some things that you should do. You could do something as simple as send a card. You could do something as simple as say, "I'm here for you." People who are contemplating suicide tell us that just those little things mean a lot to someone who is really on the brink. For more information on what to do if you fear that someone you love is contemplating suicide, go to CNNHealth.com. We have a full story right there. For "Empowered Patient," I'm Elizabeth Cohen.</s>KEILAR: A memorable Thanksgiving Day reunion for a brother and sister after more than 30 years apart. The one object that helped bring the two together this year.
Saving a Friend from Suicide