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Warning Signs

Some signs are clear, but most are subtle. Therefore, pay attention not only to the overall behaviour but the little things as well.

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  • Any mention of suicide requires attention

    • ​Even if it is in a joking manner​

  • Talks about suicide in any way

    • ​​​Direct: I'm going to kill myself

    • Indirect: The world is better off without me

  • Sudden changes in behaviour/personality

    • Their behaviour is out of the ordinary

    • Losing interest in what they used to love

    • They, if not more, become aggressive, rebellious and disobedient 

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  • Self-destructive behaviours 

    • Increased or beginning use of drugs or alcohol ​

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  • Change in sleeping habits 

    • A significant increase or decrease in sleeping patterns without medical reason

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  • Isolation 

    • Desire to be left alone

    • Spending less time with those whose company was previously enjoyed

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  • Self-loath 

    • Loss of self-esteem

    • Feeling worthless

    • Feeling of shame or guilt

  • Apathy to future 

    • Failing to plan ahead

    • Lack of excitement for future

  • Saying goodbye & tying up loose ends

    • Suddenly saying goodbye for no apparent reason

  • Pursuit of dangerous objects

  • Disposal of treasured possessions​

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Being an Active Listener

Active Listening

When talking to a person who is suicidal, it is extremely important to listen; listen to understand. A California Highway Patrol Officer, Kevin Briggs, was able to stop a suicidal victim named Berthia from jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, by merely listening to him for 2 hours straight. He did not utter a single word, all Kevin did was listen. At the end of the conversation, Berthia said, "This is the first time anyone has ever stopped talking and actually listened to me. Thank you for listening." 

 

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Click the button below to be directed to Kevin Briggs'

inspiring speech on

"the bridge between suicide and life" 

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What does it mean to be an active listener? 

To do more than just hear someone talk, to pay attention to what's being said ​

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How to be an active listener? â€‹

  • Skill #1: Having Empathy 

    • The ability to experience someone else's feelings as if they were your own ​

    • Telling your friends "I understand" and "I've felt like that" tells them that they are not alone with their feelings 
       

  • Skill #2: Being a Word Detective 

    • Listens to what your friend is saying â€‹â€‹

      • Focus all your attention on your friend ​

      • Don't think about what to say next 

    • Listens to what your friend isn't saying 

      • If they talk about their situation, instead of their feelings, you need to figure out how he/she feels ​

      • You need to read between the lines to know what they need. Most times, they all could use a friend. 

    • Listens to the words (spoken and unspoken) tell you about your friend's feelings

      • translate their words into feelings ​

      • Example: 

        • "so what if no one cares about me" means "I feel unloved" ​

        • "I'm dropping out of this stupid school" means "I feel like I don't belong here" 

Christian Perspective

A Christian Perspective

Viewing and understanding the issue of suicide from a biblical standpoint and taking into consideration of what God has to say about it is crucial step in learning why it is important for us to prevent suicide. It is also important for those contemplating suicide to understand why they shouldn't. Perhaps by viewing this issue from a Christian perspective, others who are believers of Christ will be more deeply impacted. Perhaps by having a different perspective at hand, others will learn to always look at things from not only one but the different point of views. 

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 to those contemplating suicide,

why should we not commit suicide?  â€‹

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Truth is, no one can kill themselves. Just because you stop breathing, does not mean you stop existing. You may be able to stop your body from working, but you aren't killing yourself . You are more than a body, you are a soul, a spirit - something you can't kill. Your body is only part of who you are. Any attempt to kill yourself, always fails. Therefore, when talking from a Christian point of view, NO ONE CAN KILL THEMSELVES. People who died, are not dead. Their body has died, but their soul and spirit are not dead - this is an important biblical truth. We must understand that the word 'self' means the real you, your personality, your spiritual self, something you cant kill. 

to those wanting to help,

what is our job?

what must we do?​

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​We must share God's love. It is when people know they are loved, that they know that their life has meaning and purpose. It is when they know that they don't have to give up nor give in. We must make them understand God allows suffering because He wants us to learn, to grow and to be strong. He wants us to see that there is a bigger plan ahead of us. They need to understand that our suffering, no matter how deep or how dark, will always end. Christians have a big responsibility to care for people, love people and share the gospel because ultimately, it is God who made us and saves us. He is the one who gives us REAL meaning. 

"The suicide of one person is a reflection of the lack of purpose in the community​."

- Mr. Dan Fennell, a Biblical Studies Coordinator at SPH  

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