Learning Objectives:
The objective of Suicide Prevention Training is to enhance a ministers comfort, confidence and competence in helping a person at risk of suicide.
Discuss suicide with a person at risk in a direct manner.
Identify risk alerts and develop a safe plan related to them.
Demonstrate the skills required to intervene with a person at risk of suicide.
List the types of resources available to a person at risk of suicide, including themselves.
Make a commitment to improving community resources and networking; and Recognize that suicide prevention is broader than suicide intervention and, includes life promotion and self-care for persons at risk and for ministers.
Christian Ministers and persons at risk are affected by personal and societal attitudes about suicide.
**** SPT Training does not offer therapy or counselling.
Why training is important:
Every seventeen minutes, someone in the United States commits suicide.
Each day approximately 86 Americans commit suicide, and 1,500 people attempt suicide.
Suicide is the nation’s 10th leading cause of death.
For those 15-24 years of age, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
More Americans, an estimated 31,000, kill themselves than are killed by homicide.
More than 8 million adults reported having serious suicidal thoughts in the past year, 2.5 million people reported making a suicide plan in the past year, and 1.1 million reported a suicide attempt in the past year.
Nearly 16 percent of students in grades 9 to 12 report having seriously considered suicide, and 7.8 percent report having attempted suicide once or more in the past 12 months.
Warning Signs:
Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide by being aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors:
Talking about wanting to die; feeling hopeless, trapped, or in unbearable pain; being a burden to others.
Looking for a way to kill oneself; Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless.
Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and Displaying extreme mood swings.
Extended depression, sadness or uncontrolled crying,Giving away personal or prized possessions.
Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lack of interest in personal appearance Withdrawal from friends.
Lack of energy or ambition, Restlessness or hyperactivity Increased risky behaviors.
Hopelessness and helplessness
Ways to Help:
Ask them if they are thinking about killing themselves. (This will not put the idea into their heads, or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.).
Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a minister or medical/mental health professional.
Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and If possible, do not leave the person alone.
Listen: Help a suicidal friend to talk about whatever is painful or distressing and offer them emotional support.
Express Your Concern: Encourage them to contact others who could be supportive.
Listen to what is said and treat it seriously.
Help Someone To Stay Safe: If they are in immediate danger, stay with them and call for urgent assistance.
Encourage The Person To Seek Help: You may want to offer to accompany them.
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