Suicide Prevention:
You may be able to help!
Suicide in our villages as well as in Anchorage, Alaska is a major problem. Since this is a problem that is preventable I would like to provide some basic information so that you as a member of a religious community will know what to do in helping to prevent suicides in our communities.
Most everyone has had suicidal thoughts at some time in their lives. Thankfully most people do not hurt themselves, but take steps to understand their pain, seek help from others, and deal with their personal problems.
The person who is considering suicide is struggling with a number of personal problems that seem insurmountable; in other words they do not see an immediate solution. Most people who are suicidal truly do not want to die; they simply want their emotional distress to go away, and feel unable to resolve their dilemma.
A suicidal person compounds their problem when they drink or take drugs. This requires a great deal of patience and love to deal with someone who is in a downward spiral.
Persons who are suicidal often feel:
HELPLESS - They feel powerless and unable to change their situation.
HOPELESS - They believe their problems and feelings of despair will never
go away.
I SOLATED - They feel alone in their pain, and believe no one is able to
understand.
There are suicidal warning signs to be aware of:
Suicides can be prevented. Over 80% of suicidal people give clues about their intentions and despair to people around them. These clues are really invitations for help:
-suicide threats or attempts.
-statements, writings or
artwork revealing a desire to die.
-behavioral changes signaling depression:
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Changes in performance.
Changes in appearance.
Social withdrawal.
Increased drug/alcohol usage.
Apathy and loss of interest.
Changes in mood and attitude.
-making final arrangements
-giving away prized possessions.
-preoccupation with death.
At this time, we would suggest that you begin praying for your loved one. Pray that God will intervene.
You may consider calling your pastor who will be happy to provide a prayer for God's intervention and deliverance.
Important is arranging for a visit, so that the suicidal person can air their feelings. Airing their deep most feelings is critical at this time.
But what can I do you may ask?
-recognize some of the warning signals.
-express your concern and your interest.
-offer them your support.
-take every suicide threat comment, or action seriously.
-listen. Try to understand what the person is feeling. You do
not have solve the person's problem or offer advice.
-encourage the expression of feelings.
-offer acceptance.
-share your feelings: that you too have felt alone, sad, hurt or helpless at
some time.
-offer hope that alternatives are available.
-Be careful not to offer over-simplified or false reassurances which show
that you do not understand.
-seek support. Get help. The pastor may be able to help give you other
options with someone else with whom you may talk.
Our Pastor:
Pastor William H. Nicholson is a 1977 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem, PA. He also serves as an Alaska Army National Guard Chaplain for the 2nd Scout Battalion, 297th Infantry. His phone number is 243-3837. Cell phone is 240-8102.
Our Hospital Chaplain:
Lay Pastor Walter Larson serves Moravians from southwestern Alaska villages as our part time Anchorage hospital Chaplain. His phone number is 677-1070.
More Information:
If anyone would like more information about suicide prevention, contact Pastor Nicholson, anytime. The Anchorage Moravian Church conducts Suicide Prevention awareness workshops twice, annually.
© Copyright
2006 Anchorage Moravian Church
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