Dealing with Suicide

1
Dealing with Suicide

• Counseling 2
• Prairie Bible College
• Instructor Kal Szucs

2
Statistics

• International
• 3rd leading cause of death in all nations
• 3rd leading cause in 15-24 age range
• 65 is highest risk
• More men complete, more women attempt
• National
• Youth are highest risk category
• Native peoples are 3x national average.

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Suicidality Awareness

• Risk Factors (CPA Bulletin)
• Unbearable Psychological Pain
• Narrow Thinking
• Ambivalence
• Mental illness
• Sense of vulnerability
• Problem Relationships
• Loss
• Escape

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Suicidality Awareness Signs

• Changes in mood or behaviour not always
  obvious.
• Sometimes they get their affairs in order
• Some give away things, or discontinue activities
• Excessive use of alcohol/self-medicating
  attempts to cope with soul pain
• Changes in any set of habits esp. w/depression
  carelessness, apathetic behaviour

5
Suicidality Awareness Signs

• Loss of energy and outside interests
• Preoccupation with ones health
• Complaints about detrimental health
• Serious disturbance in sleep patterns insomnia
• Increase in potentially self-destructive
  activitiesSudden decline in economic status
  esp. men, serious business reversal
• Break in close relationship
• Older person whose lifestyle is suddenly changed
  or who is abruptly left alone

6
Suicide Dynamics
Painful Experiences
Feeling Rejected
Aggression/Withdrawal
Avoidance
Feeling Rejected
Denial
Poor Communication
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Levels of Suicidal Intent
Normal range of affect
Depressive shift
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Levels of Suicidal Intent
Depressive shift
thoughts
suicidal
impulses
acts
Danger Zone
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Stages of Intervention

• Engagement Stage
• Inquiry Stage
• Action Stage

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Levels of Intervention

• Hospitalization
• No Harm Contract
• Identifying Resources
• Obtaining Perspective
• Stress Management
• Initiative in self-care

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Dealing with Attempts

• Should someone you know attempt
• Dont withdraw, visit in hospital
• Follow up
• Provide ongoing support encouragement
• Notice how it affects you

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Ministering to Survivors of Completed Suicides

• Adults
• Trauma Complex Grief Reactions
• Guilt
• Shame
• Anger

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Ministering to Survivors of Completed Suicides

• Children
• Trauma Complex Grief Reactions
• Social Stigma
• Confusion
• Heightened sense of rejection
• At risk for suicide as well

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Ministers Role

• Be aware of your own emotional reaction
• Be available to the family
• Be sensitive to emotional climate of the church
• Follow up beyond funeral
• Consult with other helpers, refer if necessary
• Pray intelligently