Suicide Prevention

You may regularly interact, work or even live with someone who quietly struggles with suicidal thoughts, and God may want to use you to be a source of Christlike love and support. But you may wonder, How can I truly recognize the signs that a friend or loved one may be contemplating suicide? Suicidal tendencies or thoughts generally move through three successive stages: downcast, distressed and finally, despairing. Intervening at any of these points to offer hope, an understanding ear and a safe place to be vulnerable can halt the downward spiral toward death. As Scripture directs us. "And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 22-23). Dejection Anxiety Decline in work or school performance Inability to concentrate or make decisions Change in eating and sleeping habits Avoidance of family Boredom Lack of interest in the future "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 43:5) Distressed: Advanced Staged Depression Withdrawal from family and friends Rapid mood swings Physical problems, self-injury, anorexia Self-pity Excessive absences from work or school Apathy

 Neglect of personal appearance "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came." (Job 3:2526) Despairing: Danger Stage Hopelessness Abuse of alcohol/drugs Deep remorse Isolation or moody behavior Previous suicide attempts or threats of suicide Distribution of personal possessions Organization of personal affairs; making a will Sudden change from depression to cheerfulness (indicating being at peace with the decision to commit suicide) "O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee." (Psalm 25:20)

The suicide rate among active duty military personnel has risen steadily over the last decade. From January to August 2012, 171 soldiers died at the hands of their enemy while serving in Afghanistan, but even more military personnel died by their own hands. During that same time period, 212 Army service members took their own lives by suicide. But the military is not the only segment of society that must deal with this escalating tragedy. According to a recent study, the leading cause for mortality due to injury in the United States is not car crashes, homicide or drug overdose but suicide. And
inconceivably, the age group that experienced the largest increase in suicide rates over the last decade is children ages 5 to 14, followed closely by teens and young adults, ages 15 to 24.

If suicide has not catastrophically impacted your family or friends, be thankful, but it is also essential to be prepared to help someone you love who one day may experience an emotional crisis. Helping someone who feels suicidal can be a daunting challenge. Use the following points to further equip you to give hope to the hopeless:

1. Honestly Confront. Take all talk of death and suicide seriously. Ask the direct question, "Are you thinking about suicide?" Express your love and concern. Discover what is causing the pain. Ask, "How have you been coping with the pain thus far?"

"Counsel (purposes) in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.." (Proverbs 20:5) 2. Offer Options. Acknowledge and empathize that life is hard. List alternatives to suicide on a sheet of paper. Rank the alternatives that will best meet needs and bring hope and healing. Communicate God's purposes for suffering, emphasizing His unconditional love and desire to use hurting people in the lives of others for mutual support and encouragement.

Remind them "Many people are hurting just like you. They feel desperately alone, assuming that no one understands their pain. You know what it is like to hurt. Your personal pain enables you to have a ministry of compassion. You are being prepared right now to be a lifeline of hope for someone else who feels hopeless. Realize your life has immense purpose. " "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psalm 119:67, 71) 3. Enlist Help.7 Encourage the person to have a physical checkup. Seek a trained, biblically-based, Christian counselor or therapist. Call a minister. Contact a suicide crisis center. Help make arrangements for hospitalization.

"Without counsel purposes (plans) are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established." (Proverbs 15:22)

4. Present a Contract. Build a relationship of trust by showing your care and willingness to help. Ask if the person would be willing to make a contract with you: "Will you promise that if you are considering harming yourself, you will call me before doing anything?" Be sure to obtain a signature. Make a commitment to stay in contact.

"Bear (carry) ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) My Contract of HOPE The following is a solemn binding contract. This contract cannot be declared null and void without the written agreement of both parties. I promise that if I consider harming myself, I will talk with you before I do anything destructive. I sign my name as a pledge of my integrity. Signature:___________________ Date:________________ Signature:___________________ Date:________________ Suicide is never God's will for any life. Remember the hope that Christ brings. Hold on to Him and show His love to others. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entered into that within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19).