My young friend Ty’s grandmother texted me yesterday to let me know he showed up at school yesterday and came home after school. It was a sigh of relief for me. He has a lot to deal with in life and has been seeing a therapist since his parents died when he was in Kindergarten.
I have taken mental health issues for teens and for everyone seriously for quite sometime. That increased in September 2011 when a young woman from Vietnam, who had been part of my weekend group, completed suicide. I will never forget how deeply it affected her family and the other young people who were part of my group at the time. The following weeks, I spent a lot of time checking on them. That experience prompted me to go through suicide prevention training, which has been put to use twice.
Darkness seeks to envelope people with feelings of hopelessness and despair, Darkness whispers thoughts of suicide into the thoughts of people who are struggling. But Jesus brings hope and life. Jesus said in John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Jesus wants to help all people to have life to the full. He brings healing for our minds, souls, and spirits. We can cry out to Jesus in our darkest moments. We can also ask for help. It is okay to ask for help.
In the USA, it is a simple number to call or text for help- 988.
In Canada- If you’re in crisis — Call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to: 686868 for youth; 741741 for adults
In the UK- 116 123 – 24 hours a day or text SHOUT to 85258
In Australia- 13 11 14
I would like to share two videos that speak to this. One says to stay another day. The other reminds us that our story isn’t over yet. Remember with Jesus we can always have a new start to our story.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
In my early years working with “at risk” teens, I was glad I took training.
I did take one suicidal teen on a wilderness trip. One night a bear was sniffing the corner of the tent where his head was. He found out he really didnt want to die. Long story, fun ending.
Wow that got his attention 🙂
It did. We had quite a talk. the whole group did.
I think God sent the bear to spark things
Such an important and serious topic..one that can’t be ignored these days. It bothers me how so many teens use the word “depressed” to describe a minor inconvenience they encounter, they don’t realize the weight of the true definition and emotion. Yet at the same time we have to take all of their lingo seriously because you never know if they’re going to end up acting on impulse in some negative form…sad reality.
so true- so important to stay on top of things with teens
Reblogged this on Gifted Grace.
Thank you 😀
its an important thing to discuss
Yes it is. I know it is awkward to bring up when concerned for someone, but by bringing it up, it can save a life.
Where do you go about for finding suicide prevention training ?
Depending on where you live
If in the USA, you could check out this website- https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)
Thank you !