WHEN SOMEONE THREATENS SUICIDE

When Someone Threatens Suicide

Ask them what method they would use if they did it (gun, knife to slit wrist, drugs, drowning, jumping off a building).

Ask them if they have a plan.

Ask them if they’ve had much sleep lately. Lack of sleep makes us think more negatively.

Ask them if they’ve eaten. Being hungry makes us crabby.

Ask them who in their family would be devastated. Have the person name them.

Ask them who of their friends would be devastated. Have the person name them. Count yourself as one. 

Ask them if they have a dog or other pets.

Ask them what their favorite season of the year is and why. Remind them that it is coming around again. 

Ask them if they have a hobby and why they like it. If they don't have a hobby, ask them if there is anything they are skilled at or that greatly interests them.

Ask them if they do drugs and remind them that drugs skew a person’s view of reality/life.

Ask them if they suffer from depression and remind them there are medications to help them feel normal.

Ask if they’ve had a recent breakup in a relationship.

Ask them if they have ever been abused.

Ask them if they believe in God. Reassure him/her that if they were to cry out to God, He will hear their cry and will help them get through this dark tunnel. If they ask what God has ever done for them, ask them what they have done for God. Have they even prayed to Him? Remind them they are God’s child and He loves all of His children and knows their names and how many hairs are on each head.

Keep them talking until they calm down. If they have a plan and the means, they need to be reported to the police as suicidal. They would be taken to a hospital where they would get treatment in the way of medication and talk therapy (hopefully). Follow up with them to see if their attitude has changed and to show you care.

Dealing With a Person With Depression

Encourage the person to pour his or her emotions into an art form such as singing, playing an instrument, writing, sculpting, etc. or if the person is into sports, give it his/her all. An art form without emotions poured into it is like the difference between creative writing and a newspaper article.

Does the person have ADHD? Persons with ADHD have excess energy and emotions and therefore when they become adults, they fit right in with the teenagers. They have the energy to lead them while the rest of us have lost energy. Having ADHD is not a bad thing. Encourage the person who has it to use it for the good.

People who have had bouts of depression are more empathetic toward others, especially those who are going through a bout of depression. Sometimes just talking it out makes a big difference. People who have had situational depression are better equipped to handle a future situation because they have been through a storm or storms and realize the sun will shine again. They actually become stronger.

Self-discipline is needed in order to be an overcomer of suicidal thoughts, depression or anxiety. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" I Corinthians 9:24-27, NIV. Focus on serving others and give it your all. "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." Eccl. 9:10a.