Equipping Pastors and Leaders Series: Caring for Someone who is Suicidal

1.       Introduction

Handout: http://www.beautifulbetween.com/love-jesus-but-want-to-die/

From 1999-2016, death by suicide rose on average 25%.  In CA, 14.8%.  In ND it rose the most, 57%.  Only NV state saw a decrease of 1%.  (Source: CDC’s National Vital Statistics System, Vital Signs, 2018)

Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death for all ages, in the US.  It is the 2nd leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-24 years. (for more statistics, see https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/

2.       Recognizing warning signs and risk factors

Handout: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-faq/index.shtml

A note about cutting and other forms of self-injury:  They are considered a risk factor for suicide, even though the intent is not death.

“Cutting (on the wrist usually), burning or otherwise harming one’s self without the intention of suicide is referred to as “parasuicidal behavior” by mental health professionals. People who engage in this behavior often report that in some way it makes their experiences seem more real again (when things feel numb), that it brings with it a feeling of control (when other things seem out of control), or that it is even a form of self-punishment. Cutting IS dangerous because although persons who cut will usually report they have no intention of suicide, it is a form of suicide rehearsal. Also – there is serious risk of making a “mistake” and actually killing one’s self, not to mention the risk of infection, the feelings of shame that get associated with the cutting (which is usually experienced as an uncontrollable compulsion to cut), etc.” (Mark Dombeck, Ph.D, https://www.mentalhelp.net/advice/cutting/)

3.       Resources for when someone is suicidal

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions!  Here are some helpful questions to ask:

1.       Are you thinking of killing yourself?

2.       Have you attempted suicide in the past?

3.       Do you have a plan?

4.       Do you have the means available to you?

5.       When would you do this?

6.       Can we make a plan so you will be safe? (to not be alone, to check in regularly, to start/go to therapy, go to psychiatrist, do self-care activities, etc.)

Passive suicidal ideation – when a person “wants to die” or “wishes s/he wasn’t alive” but has no risk factors for action.  Don’t assume such statements are PSI.  Ask!  Such statements can often be an Indicator of depression; it is important to pursue treatment but it’s not an emergency.

If you face a suicide emergency, call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room. If needed, they may keep the person for a 72 hour hold.  If the person doesn’t go voluntarily, an evaluation team may enact a 5150, or involuntary 72 hour hold.  The 72 hours can be extended if needed.

Long Beach has two “urgent care” centers for mental health issues. 

Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center (sponsored by LA County) in Long Beach (opened 2018)

https://www.starsinc.com/bhucc-longbeach/

Mental Health Urgent Care Center in Long Beach

http://www.telecarecorp.com/mental-health-urgent-care-center/

Orange County Mental Health Emergency Resources

http://www.namioc.org/emergencies/information/99-help-line

In the bigger picture of your sphere of influence:

1.       Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide, especially when it is prominent in the media.

2.       Teach people to process loss, to share vulnerabilities in safe relationships and to create life-giving meaning in suffering.

Dr Jerry Reed of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention told the BBC, "We can't take for granted that everyone learns this by some magic formula… We learn how to read, how to write. We also have to help people learn how to cope.” (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-44416727)