My friend is thinking about suicide...

[TeeMBL]

Someone close to me feels like the only way out of her current situation and state of mind may be to commit suicide. Our group is close and none of us know how to approach the situation or how to encourage her. She's been in prayer for a long time about her situation, I guess she feels in that gray unknown area. Kind of like not knowing which way is right and which is wrong, just needing guidance. Honestly I think she's waiting for that moment when God boldly makes his presence known and changes things.

I understand that feeling in the sense of not knowing what God wants you to do or how you're supposed to do it. I'd describe it as fear of making the wrong decision, or starting to make a decision and not feeling comfortable with it, so you find yourself back in that same state of helplessness. I think most of us have been in a situation where you REALLY needed God to move quickly, I think she's just tired to waiting and feels that it'll never happen. I'm very sad today and not sure how to handle this or what to say.

 

[Galadriel]

Try to get her the support and help she needs (counseling, prayer group, being there for her as a friend, etc.). Life isn't perfect, and help her to see that there is always hope. I will be praying for your friend, and God bless.

 

[blackmaven]

Call your friend's family to let them know her thoughts before it is too late. Suicide talk is best handle by professionals. Please have your friend call 1-800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

[3jsmom]

Please just continue to encourage her and pray for her. I know went through a period where it just seemed like I just couldn't go any further and it comes up every now and again. I truly believe God when he says he will never leave me nor forsake me. Please tell her to read those words and mediate on them. Also have her put on her fave songs and just relax. I am learning how to meditate to bring me even closer to God b/c I know with out him and keeping the enemy out I would be where your friend is.

I will be praying for her and you as well.

 

[loolalooh]

TeeMBL:

There are times when God wants us to move and times when He wants us to sit back. This situation calls for you to move.

As someone who's dealt with suicidal thoughts, I encourage the following:

1. Spend as MUCH time with your friend as possible. Take her out to lunch, call her, have a sleepover, etc. At each moment, encourage her. Get her other friends to do the same.
2. Give her the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK. Tell her to call them whenever she wishes. The hotline is good about talking you through things.
3. If she's not in therapy, encourage her to get into one asap.
4. Go into heavy intercession for your friend. Get on the CF prayer line tonight and have them pray for her: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=580975. Their prayers are powerful.
5. Give her encouraging scriptures to read. (I like Psalm 143.) Encourage her to start attending church. If she already is, encourage her to move to another church. The right church would be filling her up spiritually (in addition to her own alone times with God).

 

[DaiseeDay]

There are also great Christian residential treatment centers, which can be very beneficial for someone who has hit the bottom, and I definitely recommend therapy.

As a last resort, if she refuses to get help and keeps talking about suicide you can have her involuntarily committed. I wouldn't threaten her with that though because then she may just stop talking to you.

 

[Shimmie]

Please DO NOT let her be left alone!

If you can get your Pastor or one of your Prayer Counselors to her, please do so immediately!

You need outside intervention immediately! Even if it means calling 911. Please do not prolong getting help for her. Do it now, Please!

We'll be praying for you and your friend on tonight's prayer line.

Please keep us posted and please tell your friend how much she is loved.

Please tell her that Jesus already died for her so that she doesn't have to do all over again.

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

Pray,make it know your there for real not that fake mess,don't judge if she goes over the same things over and over again. Remove anything from area that could be used to harm herself. Don't be harsh or make her feel as though things are going to instantly get better.

If she does anything do not forsake her. That is the worst freaking feeling in the world. Be around her as much as possible. It will take some time and investment in her. Help her see that there is much more greater things than what her situation hold.

I speak from experience on this matter 15 attempts at my own life and yet God.

 

[lisatamika]

Nothing helpful to add, but I know EXACTLY what she is feeling with what I have been going through lately. I see why people have suicidal thoughts and/or become alcoholics or a drug addict.

I hope you are able to help her

 

[smwrigh3]

I've been there PLEASE listen to this women. You can save her life! Dont be scared or afraid. GOD will arm you will everything you need. The words will pour from your heart out of your mouth! Please do something!

 

[Shimmie]

Please keep us updated...

 

[TraciChanel]

.............................................

 

[TeeMBL]

Sorry I didn't have a chance to get online yesterday.

Thank you all for your prayers and advice. She doesn't have a church home in our city, so she's agreed to talk to my pastor about some of her problems. It's one of our friends' birthday on Friday, so we'll be spending all weekend together, and then she'll meet with my pastor Sunday evening.

I think the rest of us have taken the stance that we just need to be supportive and continue to encourage her.

 

[VictoriousBrownFlower]

Please tell her to get into therapy or voluntary commit herself into the hospital. She needs help. This isnt about her situation. She is majorly depressed. When you are that way you cant see clearly. She needs help and medication to releave her symptoms. A crisis line is a good idea but it doesnt help too much. If she wants god to help her she needs to be proactive in her healing. He will guide her down the right road if she asks for clarity.

She needs therapy and fast. If she is talking about it she will do it. Do you know if shes been planning what she would do to commit suicide?

 

[cutiebe2]

Sorry I didn't have a chance to get online yesterday.

Thank you all for your prayers and advice. She doesn't have a church home in our city, so she's agreed to talk to my pastor about some of her problems. It's one of our friends' birthday on Friday, so we'll be spending all weekend together, and then she'll meet with my pastor Sunday evening.

I think the rest of us have taken the stance that we just need to be supportive and continue to encourage her.

So what else have you done to make sure she will not take her life in between that time? As others have said, even if you have to call 911 DO IT!!

From you OP this sounds serious so I hope that there is someone with her at all time or some type of professional intervention. Its great that she is going to talk to your pastor but she also needs someone who is educated in suicide and suicide prevention to make sure she doesn't harm herself

I am really praying for your friend. I hope she pulls out of this.