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how do i intervene in a situation that has all the earmarks of a possible suicide?
a young lady in our youth group has a mother in prison and father is party animal and is filling out paperwork to have her and her sister put into foster care. a letter was found by her grandmother stating she wishes she were dead. low self esteem (no wonder) change in personality. i am praying much.please help.
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- shirley
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- 28 days ago
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As all have said below, good on taking this seriously! You absolutely do need to seek professional help. We recently had a suicide scare in our group, which was only avoided because warning signs were heeded. Be a listening ear, perhaps meet with the granmother also, and try to get her into counseling that is specifically for suicide. Consult your senior pastor for help if you need. I would also reccomend you buy 2 book for yourself I consider a must for myself. Group's Emergency Response Handbook for Youth Leaders and the one for Parents. These have a myriad of topics with warning signs, resources for help, what to say and not, and scripture to share with the student/family. I believe the Parent book addresses suicide. I would also consider looking into any suicide hotlines in your area. They may be able to point you to other resources/counseling for her. |
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This is a mandatory reporting issue. As a student leader or even as a volunteer you have a legal obligation to report this to the proper authorities. Google your state's child advocacy department and contact them. It is not the easiest thing to do, and often this is an act that is seen as betrayal, but for the well being of the individual as well as your ministry it has to be done. If the student was to do harm to themselves or others and you knew about it before, the courts will prosecute you for negligence. Do the safe thing and then brush up on mandatory reporting and risk management laws. God be with you. |
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Do what you can to be there for her, but as Josh said, seek professional help immediately. Don't try to take this on all by yourself. If you know any professional counselors, talk to them about what to do. Based on what you've said, it doesn't sound like the dad would be serious about getting involved, but the grandmother might, so keep in touch with her about it. |
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You are wise to be taking this seriously. You can try and take time, depending on your relationship with her, and spend some time just being with her. Be a listening ear. Help her see that someone cares. You should also contact her school counselor. Many schools even have a crisis counselor whose sole job is to deal with these kinds of issues. Above all you need to pray for her. Let her know you care and are praying. I agree with Josh that immediate professional help is needed. Also, pray about the role God would have you play in her life. |
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She needs to have professional help immediately if there is the possibility of suicide. Any talk of suicide needs to be taken incredibly seriously. |
