World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day

September 10, 2012 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

I am no expert on suicide or how to deal with it.

I do see suicide -- in all its forms -- as a tragedy. I am going to commit to educate myself a little more on this difficult topic.

Here's a link that provides information on what to do if someone you know needs help because they are feeling suicidal. It also provides links to a wealth of other information.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline


One thing to keep in mind is this:

Always take threats of suicide seriously. Always seek help.

Suicide is completed by people of a variety of ages (including children) and in a variety of circumstances. Remember that people who look like they are doing well might actually not be.

And, remember, prayer is always a good idea.

Suicide

Recently, I learned that a college friend -- who I hadn't seen in years-- committed suicide after years of struggling with depression.

Then another old friend, again one I had limited contact with recently, disappeared after leaving a suggestive message. People feared that she had taken her life. Thankfully, she was found and is safe.

Suicide is a tough thing to talk about. There is so much stigma around and so much fear. But there are ways to help. I am no expert on this topic, but there are plenty out there. Here are links to two helpul sites.

http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/whattodo.htm
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Don't forget that prayer is a practical responce to any crisis! In the second situation above hundreds were praying.

Simple things like remembering to live by the Golden Rule, providing a listening ear to those who need it, and getting help when necessary may help to prevent suicide. Ultimately, though, people make their own choices. Sometimes, we just can't change their minds.

Dr. G. Lloyd Carr and his wife, Gwen Carr wrote a book called The Fierce Good-bye. I recommend it to anyone who is struggling after a loved one's suicide or just wants to know how to help. I have a copy if you want to borrow it.


I hope you never need this information, but that you will use it if you do.

Do you have any other thoughts on ways to help or where to look for it?

God bless!