Hello, I know this guy but I'm don't really consider them as a friend since they've said some homophobic stuff but he seems depressed and makes "jokes" about suicide, which is really concerning me. I say "jokes" because he makes statements that are actually worrying but the people in our group chat make jokes about it. I don't wanna confront him about it straight on but I'm also not sure if I should tell a school counselor. I don't really want to get involved with that. The school will probably email my parents and his, and I don't want to cause him or his family any trouble. I stay around him to make sure he's okay, I don't wanna be his friend anymore but I still wanna make sure he's okay.
Is there a way to check up on him to make sure he's okay and validate his feelings but also make it subtle?
When should I know when he's in danger of self-harm and report it?
Who should I report it to? (like the school?)