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
Asking a loved one, “Are you thinking of ending your life?” makes a difference.
Ask. Listen. Love.
About Suicide & Depression
Every 40 seconds one person in the world ends his or her life. This is more than 800,000 precious people every year.
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 2007 to 2017 suicide rates increased 56% for people aged 10-24.
Reach Out For Support
UNITED STATES
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-8255
CANADA
crisisservicescanada.ca
1-833-456-4566
UNITED KINGDOM
AssistLine
0800 689 5652
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; 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
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 he or she is 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. PRAY
Offer to pray with your loved one and continue to pray for him or her.
6. 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
Depression in Marriage • Walking Alongside a Depressed Spouse
What a husband or wife does or says in relation to a depressed spouse can either exacerbate the symptoms or help relieve them.
How Can You Tell When Someone Is Suicidal?
To help prevent suicide, watch for: depression, bi-polar, suicidal thoughts, isolation, risky behavior, weapons, worsening health, giving away possessions.
The Shame of Chronic Illness and Pain
I am speaking out my shame in chronic illness so that it can no longer chain me with its lies. ... shame has taken up in my thoughts, so that we can tear down its stronghold.
Suffering invites us to place our hurts in larger hands …
“Suffering invites us to place our hurts in larger hands … calling us to share in God’s suffering love for a hurting world.” Henri Nouwen
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you …
“I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you …” Isaiah 46:4
God is with you, especially during your darkest hours. He understands your depression and will walk beside you through it.
“God is with you, especially during your darkest hours. He understands your depression and will walk beside you through it.” Lesli White
If you are struggling today, remember that You matter. Don’t Give up.
If you are struggling today, remember that You matter. Don’t Give up.
God loves you just as much in your worst moments as He does in your best.
“God loves you just as much in your worst moments as He does in your best.” Holley Gerth
He left the 99 to rescue me.” If life is hard, hold on and remember how very precious you are.
“He left the 99 to rescue me.” If life is hard, hold on and remember how very precious you are.
