SUICIDE PREVENTION

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

Ask. Listen. Love.

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

Is someone you love thinking of ending their 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/her.

6.  FOLLOW-UP

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