Healing the Wounds of Trauma

Job:

Job 3.11–14

Saul and his armor bearer:

1 Samuel 31.1–5 1 Kings 19.1–4 Acts 16.25–28 Judges 9.50–54

Elijah:

Philippian jailer:

Abimelech: Ahithophel:

2 Samuel 17.1–7, 14, 23

Jonah:

Jonah 4.1–3

5. How can we help people considering suicide? ❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION What are some warning signs that someone may be considering suicide? Get feedback in the large group and then add anything below that has not already been stated: • They may become extremely withdrawn and isolate themselves from others. • They may talk about wanting to die. • Theymay say things like, “What’s the point of living?” or “Soon you won’t have to worry about me!” • They may give away things that are very important to them. • Theymay go frombeing depressed to being very happy for no reason. • They may neglect taking care of themselves. ❂❂ SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION How can we help people considering suicide? Get feedback in the large group and then add anything from the points below that hasn’t already been mentioned. • Do not avoid talking about suicide for fear of offending themor of putting the idea into their minds. Find out how serious they are. Have theymade a plan? Have they prepared? Have they practiced? Have they thought through how this will affect others? If they are serious, remove any means of committing suicide from their environment, such as medicines, ropes, guns, and so forth. Don’t leave them alone.

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Suicide