Teen suicide is on the rise. Currently, suicide is the second leading cause of death from ages 13-24. (Only accidents cause more deaths and many of those are believed to be the result of suicidal impulses.) Over' 50,000 teen suicide attempts occur annually in the U.S. alone.

Valuegenesis tells us that Adventist homes are not immune; 58% of Adventist youth report considering suicide at least once (close to the national averages in both Canada and the U.S.). The number soars to 74% when kids are growing up in an unhappy home.

People usually attempt suicide to end unbearable emotional pain.
Suicidal people often feel terribly isolated, without friends or anyone to turn to, and with no other choice to deal with their problem. Often a suicide attempt is a tragic cry for help.

Four Myths About Suicide

1.  MYTH: ‘‘You can’t help suicidal people because all suicidal people are crazy.”  Suicidal thoughts are not an indication of mental illness, but a revelation of acute distress and probably depression. In a society in which there is so much fear about mental illness, a suicidal person may feel that it is hopeless to reach out to others for help in a crisis.
2. MYTH: “People who talk about suicide don’t do it.”  Studies have found that, in the weeks and months prior to the event more than 75% of those who committed suicide behaved in ways that should have indicated to others that they were in deep despair. Anyone expressing suicidal feelings needs immediate attention.
3. MYTH: “If someone is going to kill themselves, nothing can stop them.”  The suicidal person is ambivalent; part of him or her wants to live, part wants the suffering to end. If a suicidal person turns to you, it’s likely they see you as a caring person’ who knows how to cope and is willing to honor their confidence. Don’t turn them away.
4. MYTH: “Talking about suicide may encourage someone to do it.”  Suicide is a constant item in our news, and, in the world of the teenager, a frequent visitor to their culture. Talking to teens about suicide doesn’t introduce the idea to them, in fact', it may save their lives. Give the person the opportunity to discharge penned up and painful feelings.

Ten Major Warning Signs of Suicide

1. Talks about feeling hopeless.
2. A friend or family member dies or is experiencing a terminal illness.
3. Stops associating with close friends.
4. Suffers from major depression.
5. Experiences significant mood changes.
6. Gives away meaningful possessions.
7. Talks about feelings of worthlessness.
8. Interest declines in friends or activities previously enjoyed.
9. Neglects personal appearance.
10. Inappropriately says good-bye  

(Note: Many teens experience only a few of the conditions listed above. All indications of suicide need to be taken seriously.)

Relating to Someone Who is Think About Suicide

1. Listen
2. Tell them, "I don't want you to die."
3. Try to form a "no-suicide contract."
4. Ask them to call you whenever the temptation arises.
5. Invite the assistance of an experienced counselor, pastor, psychologist, social worker or physician.  

Relating to Someone Who Has Attempted Suicide

1. Visit them in the hospital as soon as possible. Don’t wait until they come home.
2. Acknowledge what’s happened without dwelling on it.
3. Treat them with love.
4. Treat them with understanding.
5. Treat them with compassion.
6. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the subject of suicide.
7. Don’t allow their friends to avoid them. Encourage support.
8. Allow them to talk openly about their feelings.
9. When the person is ready (check with their doctor or counselor first), give them a “We Love You" party.
10. Be yourself.  

Sources: The B.C. Council for Family, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; The Oxford University Libraries Newsgroups—Psychological Services.


From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.