Category Archives: Self-Harm (a riptide)

Ministering to the Suicidal – What to Do

Because 75-percent of all people who kill themselves give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member take all suicide threats — even jokes — or any attempt seriously.  If you believe someone may be suicidal:  Be … Continue reading

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Who’s At Risk for Suicide?

More than 32,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year. It’s this country’s 11th leading cause of death. That’s the bad news. The good news? Not everyone is at equal risk.  MENTAL ILLNESS: there’s a relationship between suicide … Continue reading

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World Suicide Rates

According to a World Health Organization statement from September 10, 2008, Worldwide, suicide rates have increased  by 60% over the last 50 years, and the increase has been particularly marked in developing  countries. Most suicides in the world occur in … Continue reading

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Ministering to the Suicidal – Remove the Easy Way Out

What are the warning signs a member of your flock needs help immediately?  Physical or psychological changes  Withdrawal from friends  Giving away personal possessions They make statements like ‘I’d be better off dead’ An article in The New York Times - The Urge … Continue reading

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MBSR and Meditative Prayer As Suicide Prevention

One interesting and non-harming response might be for ministers to teach prayerful, mindfulness based stress reduction techniques. Noticing some of the unorganized suicide based on financial ruin after the economic crises, and understanding that stress crises can sometimes precipitate these suicide … Continue reading

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Breakwaters…

category description: a safe place to discuss contentious issues with dangerous undercurrents… Continue reading

Posted in Blogs on Stormy Issues, Compassion, Strangers (a riptide), Mental-Health (a riptide), Poverty (a riptide), Prison System (riptide), Self-Harm (a riptide), Social Justice (undercurrents), Sustainability: Our Life Raft, Today’s Outcasts (a riptide), Violence (a riptide), Workweek Ministry | Leave a comment