If everyone who thought of committing suicide on Facebook actually went through with it, then there would be a lot of dead people. So of course, I can see how it would be hard to take people seriously. There are unfortunately those who do intend on following through. There seems to be a negative connotations with having thoughts of suicide, as if it makes one weak. I have compassion for those who have the courage to reach out, although, I think the best course of action is to not get too involved on their FB page, because it just encourages people to continue turn to the wrong place for guidance and help. I would just give them the number to the suicide hotline in response.
Suicide is a leading cause of death among teenagers and adults under 35. The rate of suicide is far higher in men than in women, with males worldwide three to four times more likely to kill themselves than females. There are an estimated 10 to 20 million non-fatal attempted suicides every year worldwide.
Just as a side note:
I personally see nothing wrong with feeling suicidal. The question that most people should ask is "How can I work with this problem that is making me feel suicidal?" Suicidal thoughts are a sign of rebirth and transformation. In the book The Language of Emotions, Karla McLaren says, You can ask the questions, "What idea or behavior must end now?" or "What can no longer be tolerated?"