College Ministers and Suicide Prevention

I had the opportunity this week to attend a two hour workshop for College and Youth Ministers on suicide prevention. led by Dr. Meagan Medley and Dr. Blake Sandusky of the Arkansas State University Psychology Department.  Obviously, I did not suddenly become an expert.  But, I did want to pass along some helpful info that was given to us and encourage you to see what resources are available to you wherever you are.

-When there is a suicide that is widely publicized, there is a spike in suicides.  The death of Robin Williams, the well known comedian, caused a large spike.
-Talking about suicide and using the term with someone does NOT implant the idea in them.
-One of the most significant causes of suicide or considering suicide is a sense of loss.  In dealing with adolescents, we must realize that their idea of what a significant loss is may be very different than ours.  Being grounded or losing a cell phone can be huge to them.

A book that was highly recommended is GRACE FOR THE AFFLICTED:  A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness by Matthew S. Stanford.

We were introduced to the "Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale" which uses six (6) questions to assess the severity  of their condition.  Here are the six questions:

1.  Have you wished you were dead or wished you could go to sleep and not wake up?

2.  Have you actually had any thoughts of killing yourself? (If the person answers NO to #2, then go directly to question 6).

3.  Have you been thinking about how you might do this?

4.  Have you had these thoughts and had some intention of acting on them?

5.  Have you started to work out or worked out the details of how to kill yourself?
Do you intend to carry out this plan?

6.  Have you ever done anything, started to do anything, or prepared to do anything to end your life?
If YES, ask:  Were any of these in the last 3 months.

Here is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1.800.273.TALK or you can text 741741

As suicides continue to be on the rise, we need to be more aware AND know who some professionals are available in our area which can help students AND you in dealing with this tough issue.

Arliss Dickerson is the author of five books on college ministry available in eBook format for 99 cents each at Amazon.com.  His book, FIXING A BROKEN COLLEGE MINISTRY, is currently priced at $3.99 in paperback at Amazon.com/dp/B0741DM1CD.