Introduction
Life is a gift. A gift that needs nurturing and nourishment. Life is sacred. It can reach out to the divine and discover great strength. 
Walking through this life, through its hills and valleys, tests each and every one of us. Some valleys are thick with trees. It may be a long walk out to the clearing. We can be sure that we are not walking alone, even if we do not see the footprints or feel the support we are looking for. The truth is we are never alone. Each day is an opportunity to look up, turn things around, begin again, to believe. We all experience painful realities. As creations of a higher power our lives are not our own. The decision to take our life or someone else’s is not ours to make. Life is a gift. What will we do with it?
Suicide Prevention Resources
For people feeling stuck and alone these resources could be a life preserver. Making the call and reaching out for help is the right thing to do. Let people know how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Ask questions no matter how big or small or funny or strange you think they might be.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are many resources that can help. If you believe your child or another person may be in immediate danger, call 911. Depression, thoughts of self-harm, and suicide are serious matters that always require swift attention. Here are four of the best resources for suicide prevention.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
Website: http://www.sprc.org/
Crisis Line: 1-800-273- Talk (8255)
IM: http://chat.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx
The SPRC is one of the most comprehensive resources for suicide prevention. In addition to information and training, they offer a hotline to help anyone who’s thinking of ending his or her life: 1 (800) 273-TALK. The website has links to resources in different states and a video providing advice on how to help talk people out of committing suicide.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml
This website has lots of information about mental illness and suicide prevention, including statistics, symptoms, treatment options, and risk factors. This site is useful for understanding the connection between suicide and other mental health issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, and others.
The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS)
Website: http://www.sptsusa.org/
Teen suicide is a real problem in America and many other countries. SPTS is a non-profit organization created by parents whose teen-aged children committed suicide. It’s dedicated to helping reduce the problem of teen suicide by providing resources for teens as well as parents and educators. SPTS pushes for legislation requiring teachers to undergo training in suicide prevention.
Crisis Text Line
Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Teens are often more comfortable texting than talking. This Crisis Text Line provides real-life human beings, called Crisis Counselors, who are trained to bring texters from a moment of crisis to calm with active listening and collaborative problem-solving skills. Additionally, their blog provides tips and education on supporting people in crisis.
***This is a short but important video on suicide prevention. ***
Watch Video Now
Now watch as Kevin Briggs retired California Highway Patrolman of 23 years, shares his experience of intervening with those thinking about suicide at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. This is a powerful testimony of hope.
Watch Video Now
Here is Kevin Hine, survivor of a suicide attempt (one of the 1-2 % that survive) at the Golden Gate Bridge who regretted jumping the split second after he jumped. His testimony is one of finally learning to deal with his mental illness.
Watch Video Now
Communication Keys
People of all ages including some young children can be vulnerable to self-harm. If you have even the slightest suspicion that someone you know is showing risk factors of harming themselves, speak up! The teenagers we listened to in the first video told us that we need to speak up by directly asking if our loved one is thinking about killing themselves.
Are you thinking about killing yourself?
People who are directly confronted by a concerned person about their state of mind and being are far less likely to go through with the act. So, do not be afraid to ask. If the person has been having suicidal thoughts, there are some responses you do and don’t want to give.
What Not to Say
Oh, you don’t really feel that way.
You’re not really depressed, it’s just a transition you are going through.
Shake it off, it’s not that bad.
Are you crazy, what are you talking about?
What to Say
First of all, listen!! Let the person know you are hearing them. Gently affirm what they are saying to you. Really hear the hurt and pain they are going through.
I will be with you and help you through this, every step of the way.
You are not alone in feeling what you are feeling.
We will get you the help you need.
Suicide and Incarceration
Unfortunately, when I was incarcerated for DUI there was more than one person serving their sentence that attempted suicide. For them, being locked up meant their life was not worth living. They were so devastated with regret, grief, and who knows what other thoughts and emotions they decided to try to end it. Gratefully they were both unsuccessful. Having the chance to make community connections with work, family, volunteering, and education is incredibly valuable. Getting sober, staying sober, and getting connected is preventative medicine against self-harm.
Types of Counseling
Eric’s House in Phoenix, Arizona was created 3 years ago. The founder, Marianne Gouveia, lost her son Eric to suicide. Along with honoring Eric’s life, she wanted to help others deal with the impossible burden of losing a loved one in this way. At Eric’s house they offer a variety of counseling modalities for those who have experienced sudden loss. Their work and vision can serve as a model for our communities when it comes to compassion for individuals and families who have experienced sudden loss. Their openness and transparency regarding their stories break down walls. Their compassion and willingness to stand as instruments for healing serve as a lighthouse to those struggling and vulnerable. The counseling modalities they offer include
One-on One Coaching
Group Counseling
Grief Counseling, and
Spiritual Direction
Here are descriptions of each of these modalities taken directly from the www.ericshouse.org
Website.
One-on-One Coaching
One-on-one coaching offers the opportunity to move through your grief at your own pace. It gives you the opportunity to receive focused, personalized attention to help you move through your grief so that you get the answers and resources you need at exactly the time you need them. Regardless of the cause of your loss, we work together to create a series of small steps that will positively impact your ability to experience joy and happiness once again. Having a coach by your side helps you identify healthy approaches to healing and recovery. You will be equipped with your own “owner’s manual” so that you have the ability to integrate your loss into your life in a meaningful and powerful way.
Grief Counseling
The purpose of grief counseling is to help individuals work through the feelings, thoughts, and memories associated with the loss of a loved one. Although grieving can occur for other types of loss as well (such as loss of goals, ideals, and relationships), grief counseling is generally directed toward positive adjustment following loss after the death of a loved one. Grief counseling helps the individual recognize normal aspects of the grieving or mourning process, cope with the pain associated with the loss, feel supported through the anxiety surrounding life changes that may follow the loss, and develop strategies for seeking support and self-care.
Spiritual Direction
Often times, survivors of traumatic loss face crises in their faith and have many questions about their relationship with God and their spiritual community. Some find themselves angry with God while others may develop a stronger relationship with God or the Divine and their spiritual community. In today’s words, spiritual direction is becoming an important part of our life journey. A spiritual director will help you understand how you relate to God, how God is or is not present in your life and will explore with you the spiritually based struggles that you face. Our spiritual directors are trained to be able to give direction to people from any denomination or religious background.
Recognizing the Impact
The impact suicide has is far-reaching. Not only has a precious life been lost, but the family and community are negatively impacted also. There is a great grief with any sudden loss, but especially with suicide. If you have lost someone in your life suddenly don’t wait to get help. Reach out for counseling now.
Conclusion
Life is precious and you are valuable more than you know! Kevin Hine, one of the very few who survived jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, regretted his decision the split second after he did it. Directly talking to someone you think is at risk saves life. Ask them, are you thinking about killing yourself? If you or someone close to you needs help reach out now.
Call or go to one of the links and get the real support that is available.
Question for Reflection: What is the most valuable truth, attribute, or quality of life? Why?
Helpful Links
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
Website: http://www.sprc.org/
Crisis Line: 1-800-273- Talk (8255)
IM: http://chat.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/GetHelp/LifelineChat.aspx
Crisis Text Line
Website: https://www.crisistextline.org/
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Eric’s House – Grief Counseling
Website: https://www.ericshouse.org