Suicide Prevention Part 2

Elder Rasband recently taught the following about preventing suicide, "I have learned no one is immune. Teen suicide is a crisis reaching all around the world. Statistics show that suicide is now among the three leading causes of death among youth ages 15 to 24. And this: “Suicide attempts are 20 times more frequent than completed suicides.” Those, my dear brothers and sisters, are cruel statistics.

We must all face this issue. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we must commit to do everything we can to reshape the thinking that suicide is an answer, a response even worth considering. We must talk to teens about suicide and love them out of considering it as a solution to their pain" (Jesus Christ is the Answer, 2019).

Many people in crisis show warning signs before they attempt suicide. If you learn to recognize the warning signs, you will be better prepared to minister to those who need help. Listen for statements such as “I don’t care if I die” or “Everyone would be better off without me.” Warning signs include the following behaviours:

• Looking for a way to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs

• Giving away personal items for no reason

• Acting anxious or agitated or behaving recklessly

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Displaying extreme mood swings 

One warning sign by itself may not mean there is a crisis. But if the individual has a history of attempts or if you notice a sudden change in the individual or start seeing multiple signs, act immediately. Free crisis helplines and additional information are available at suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. If you begin noticing these warning signs in one of your students, it is essential that you share your concerns with the individual’s priesthood leader.

Despite our best efforts, not all suicides can be prevented. Some suicides happen without any obvious warning. You are not responsible for someone else’s choice to end their life.

Practice and Incorporate

We can prepare ourselves to be responsive to warning signs by reviewing church resources and teachings about suicide and by being guided by the Holy Ghost. Please spend some time exploring the following resources:

Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not (President M. Russell Ballard)

Jesus Christ is the Answer (Elder Ronald A. Rasband)

Suicide Prevention and Ministering

Videos on Suicide Prevention and Ministering