I use to have a distant friend that always talked about suicide, At first it scared the beegees out of me and I tried to help in every way I could, I was told later that this gal said she was going to kill herself every time something went wrong, she was only 17 at the time. I had to pull away at that point I suggested she get help, offered to go with her to do what ever it took. Well that was 35 years ago and she's still alive and still talking the same.
I know of course that she is one of those that was looking for the attention, I also know there are many out there that will carry through with their threats, It's a sad problem because once it's done there is no turning back.