How do I recognize whether someone is suicidal?

Basically, every statement to want to end life or to think about it must be taken seriously.

Suicidal tendencies can always be assessed through a conversation, through direct, value-neutral and empathetic questioning (e.g. "Have you recently thought about taking your own life?"). Some people are afraid that the demand will give the person concerned "the idea". However, this is not the case. On the contrary, affected people often feel relieved by the conversation and it opens up the possibility of providing help.