Suicide Prevention

Hold Onto Possibility Everyday

Are you thinking about ending your life? Reach out for support. Are you concerned about a friend or loved one ending his or her life? Ask. Listen. Love.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Hold Onto Possibility Everyday • Every 40 Seconds We Lose One Precious Life.

ABOUT SUICIDE & PREVENTION

Every 40 seconds one person in the world ends his or her life, that is more than 800,000 precious people every year. For each adult who died by suicide, more than 20 others unsuccessfully attempted it.

In the US, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death. Depression is the primary reason for suicide, accounting for one death approximately every 12 minutes.

While the loss of every single life is heartbreaking, it’s shocking to realize that from 2010 to 2016 suicide among girls ages 10-19 rose by 70%.

Asking a loved one, “Are you thinking of ending your life?” does make a difference.

MORE FACTS

REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT

PRAYER OF HOPE AND POSSIBILITY

God our Creator, you give breath to each person you made.
You treasure the gifts of each unique person.
But when life becomes a burden rather than a gift,

God of life, hold us.

When darkness strangles the will to live, when days become endless nights,

God of light, shine on us.

When no one seems to understand, when we walk and wait alone,

God of love, embrace us with your presence.

Where there is despair, bring hope; where there is shame, give value and worth; and where there is emptiness, bring fulfillment; where there is suffering in mind and body, bring healing.

God of hope, hear our prayer for life.

Cindy Holtrop, Pathways to Promise

We might be overlooked by others, but we are handpicked by God.

TOOLS FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

1. ASK

Are you thinking of ending your life? It can be a very hard question to ask but, asking a loved one if they are suicidal can prevent the loss of a precious life.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE

An important part of suicide prevention is removing access to items that may be used to end a life. Ask your loved one if they have a plan to end their life. Start the conversation. Listen. Ask. Love.

3. BE THERE

Listen, lean in, and learn what your loved one is feeling and thinking. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may help reduce suicidal thoughts.

4. REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT

Do a search for hotlines, chat options, and websites. Save these for easy access. Help your loved one make a plan to connect with trusted family members, friends, pastors, and mental health professionals.

5. FOLLOW-UP

It makes a difference if you contact your loved after a crisis just to check in. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide decreases when we extend care and concern.

SUICIDE PREVENTION POSTS

A Secret • The Painful Thoughts of Suicide

Chronic Illness Depression Hope Mental Illness Suicide | 4 min read

I have a secret. I hope you never feel like death is the only way out of your sadness. I hope you never experience the complete emptiness that is suicide and depression.

The ‘Shame’ of Chronic Illness and Pain

Audio Becky Hill Mental Illness Suicide | 11 min read

SHAME "Shame derives its power from being unspeakable…. If we cultivate enough awareness about shame to name it and speak to it, we’ve basically cut it off at the knees. Shame hates having words wrapped around it. If we speak shame, it begins to wither.” Brené Brown Over the summer, I...