What Gaby has to say about things you’d be better off not saying is good, but this last statement is 100% true –
“Most of the time, the only thing you have to do is be there. Most of the time, your only job is to be you, a fellow human being who is not afraid of engaging in a meaningful connection.”
We know that a lack of connection is actually an indicator of the likelihood of suicidal thoughts, so if you’re going to do anything that might be effective make it something that creates a connection.
It isn’t a long-term solution, but without a short-term solution, they won’t get to any long-term ones. People need to know that someone, anyone, is with them as they try to find the long-term solution. That’s all you have to do, keep them connected to you, and others, as much as possible.
But also, as I said earlier, read about all the things that aren’t helping too.