Mention of suicide always brings back the memory of a very young boy committing suicide here, he was only 11 or 12. The cause, bullying by the kids at the school he was going to, yes an elementary school. They found him early one morning, he had hung himself from the swing set in the school yard.
When someone mentions suicide it's a red flag, a cry for help. This young fellow lived with his grandparents due to unfortunate circumstances, they were absolutely devastated when told what he had done. Some you can help by just letting them know you are there for them, some need professional help.
Alex I really hope your friend survives this, but he has to work at building up his self esteem. Like when someone is ragging on you think of what they would look like naked with a daffodil stuck up their patooty.