September is National Suicide Prevention
month. This is important because when people think about suicide, they may or may not attempt to act on their thoughts immediately.
Do not take verbal or nonverbal clues lightly, especially if one knows that the person or persons have a long battle with an issue.
Warning Signs:
Talking about dying or looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about feeling hopeless, feeling trapped, having unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden
Taking more drugs, alcohol
Acting anxious, reckless or agitated behaviors
Sleeping to little or too much
Withdrawing
Showing rage, extreme mood swings or seeking revenge
What to Do:
Don't leave the person alone
Remove any potentially harmful objects - firearms, drugs, sharp objects
This includes things that can break easily and create a shard (sharp edge) - I am aware of this point from nursing practice.
Call the Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 (talk)
Text: 741-741
Reference:
Be encouraged. God is still available to us in difficult situations and impossible predicaments. I am sharing multiple verses that can give support and deliverance.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand," Isaiah 41:10. When we are distressed, God promises to be with us. He can strengthen and help us when we seek His help. Family and friends can remind the individual about God's presence, if they receive the discussion. It is good to pray this verse quietly with the person affected.
"For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope," Jeremiah 29:11. This verse was written while the Israelites were in captivity. Difficulties are noted, yet hope is offered. Individuals who experience depression can be comforted by this passage. This is one of my favorite verses; the comfort I have derived from it over the years is immeasurable!
“He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me,” Psalm 18:19. This verse reminds us that God is able to rescue, because He delights in us. It does not place
any limits on the rescue. Glory to God!
“When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul," Psalm 94:19. Clearly,
cares drive depression and suicide ideation. Here, God offers consolation after disappointment, trouble, loss or failure. Note: He can cheer the soul!
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control,” 2 Timothy 1:7. I don't care what we experience in life, we need power, love and self-control. When we see ourselves as having power, it's life-changing. When we feel loved or cared for by anybody - it gives us stamina and courage. We all like to exhibit self-control. God lets us know that these things are available to us through Him.
The purpose of this blog is to prepare us for events that can surface. Keep these points handy, knowing that God is attracted to things that are not balanced. These events occur, so that we realize He is omnipresent, all-powerful and He specializes is righting things which are out of order. This post coincides with "Fully Persuaded Faith" because I wrote about real life scenarios that can leave one
down in the dumps. Scriptures do help us progress through troubling moments. Post the verses in a prominent place; that makes them easier to memorize and refer to when unpleasant or unforeseen things arise.
Purchase a book on: https://www.marilynnjames.com/ or Amazon to give as a gift if you know someone that is struggling.
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