Prayer for Someone Who Is Suicidal

[JaneEyre]

I am working with someone who keeps telling me she is suicidal. I've prayed with her, given her as much Biblical guidance as I know how, recommended to her books to read, websites, music to listen to, etc.

Can anyone give me some advice to help her? Not sure I should direct her to this site as there is so much going on that is negative in some of the threads.

Thanks in advance. Please pray for her. I know that prayer is the best thing any of us can do.

[Cindy]

I will be praying, is there not a hotline or counselor you could recommend?

[Ron]

Will be praying for sure, both for her & wisdom for you.

[ILG]

I found this online.


http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=F2F25092-7E90-9BD4-C4658F1D2B5D19A0

When You Fear Someone May Take Their Life

Most suicides give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking their life is to recognize when someone is at risk, take the warning signs seriously and know how to respond.

The depression and emotional crises that so often precede suicides are -- in most cases -- both recognizable and treatable.

Take It Seriously

Seventy-five percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously.
Be Willing to Listen

Take the initiative to ask what is troubling them and persist to overcome any reluctance to talk about it.
If professional help is indicated, the person you care about is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her.
If your friend or loved one is depressed, don't be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular plan or method in mind.
Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family."
Seek Professional Help

Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Individuals contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more. For example, a suicidal college student resisted seeing a psychiatrist until his roommate offered to accompany him on the visit. A 17-year-old accompanied her younger sister to a psychiatrist because her parents refused to become involved.
You can make a difference by helping the person in need of help find a knowledgeable mental health professional or reputable treatment facility.
In an Acute Crisis

In an acute crisis, take your friend or loved one to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital.
Do not leave them alone until help is available.
Remove from the vicinity any firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Hospitalization may be indicated and may be necessary at least until the crisis abates.
If a psychiatric facility is unavailable, go to your nearest hospital or clinic.
If the above options are unavailable, call your local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Follow-up on Treatment

Suicidal patients are often hesitant to seek help and may run away or avoid it after an initial contact unless there is support for their continuing.
If medication is prescribed, take an active role to make sure they are taking the medication and be sure to notify the physician about any unexpected side effects. Often, alternative medications can be prescribed.

[commonfaith]

I am working with someone who keeps telling me she is suicidal. I've prayed with her, given her as much Biblical guidance as I know how, recommended to her books to read, websites, music to listen to, etc.

Can anyone give me some advice to help her? Not sure I should direct her to this site as there is so much going on that is negative in some of the threads.

Thanks in advance. Please pray for her. I know that prayer is the best thing any of us can do.I was in prison and my Mom and Dad came to see me on Visiting day and as they were leaving my Dad kept honking the horn and waving at me until he was out of sight. He had bought the pistol on Friday and this was on Sunday. I had no idea I'd never see him again, but he was telling me goodbye. The next day he drove over and parked at a busy shopping center and setting in his car he shot and killed himself. He left a lot of letters and we realized he had contemplated suicide for months. I was following in his footsteps and an Apostolic preacher took me to a service one night and God filled me with the Holy Ghost, a sure fire suicide stopper. It sounds like your friend is contemplating just like my Dad did. Get your friend to go to church where the Spirit of God filled people can minister to her.

[JaneEyre]

Thanks very much to all of you who have responded. Most of all thanks for the prayers. commonfaith, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Keep praying, guys.

[ILG]

I was in prison and my Mom and Dad came to see me on Visiting day and as they were leaving my Dad kept honking the horn and waving at me until he was out of sight. He had bought the pistol on Friday and this was on Sunday. I had no idea I'd never see him again, but he was telling me goodbye. The next day he drove over and parked at a busy shopping center and setting in his car he shot and killed himself. He left a lot of letters and we realized he had contemplated suicide for months. I was following in his footsteps and an Apostolic preacher took me to a service one night and God filled me with the Holy Ghost, a sure fire suicide stopper. It sounds like your friend is contemplating just like my Dad did. Get your friend to go to church where the Spirit of God filled people can minister to her.

CF, I'm so sorry about your Dad. May God's peace be ever with you.

[commonfaith]

CF, I'm so sorry about your Dad. May God's peace be ever with you.Thank you ILG, I knew you wasn't an old meanie, ha ha ha, have a great day.

[Cindy]

I was in prison and my Mom and Dad came to see me on Visiting day and as they were leaving my Dad kept honking the horn and waving at me until he was out of sight. He had bought the pistol on Friday and this was on Sunday. I had no idea I'd never see him again, but he was telling me goodbye. The next day he drove over and parked at a busy shopping center and setting in his car he shot and killed himself. He left a lot of letters and we realized he had contemplated suicide for months. I was following in his footsteps and an Apostolic preacher took me to a service one night and God filled me with the Holy Ghost, a sure fire suicide stopper. It sounds like your friend is contemplating just like my Dad did. Get your friend to go to church where the Spirit of God filled people can minister to her.

Sorry to hear about your Dad, CF. May God's love and peace surround you always.

[ILG]

Thank you ILG, I knew you wasn't an old meanie, ha ha ha, have a great day.

Nah. I'm really an old softie. :)

[JaneEyre]

ILG, thanks for your long post....There is much useful information there...Thanks to all of you for praying for this woman. I know she is better but still needs our prayers. For those who are reading and not responding, please keep praying. She needs total deliverance.

[JaneEyre]

Please continue to pray for my friend.....I think she is better. (She seems to be but not I am not sure that it is genuine.) Sometimes people will present themselves as being better when they are not - to make others think they are. Then they act. I am still concerned and praying.

[Rhoni]

I found this online.


http://www.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=F2F25092-7E90-9BD4-C4658F1D2B5D19A0

When You Fear Someone May Take Their Life

Most suicides give some warning of their intentions. The most effective way to prevent a friend or loved one from taking their life is to recognize when someone is at risk, take the warning signs seriously and know how to respond.

The depression and emotional crises that so often precede suicides are -- in most cases -- both recognizable and treatable.

Take It Seriously

Seventy-five percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously.
Be Willing to Listen

Take the initiative to ask what is troubling them and persist to overcome any reluctance to talk about it.
If professional help is indicated, the person you care about is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her.
If your friend or loved one is depressed, don't be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular plan or method in mind.
Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family."
Seek Professional Help

Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Individuals contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more. For example, a suicidal college student resisted seeing a psychiatrist until his roommate offered to accompany him on the visit. A 17-year-old accompanied her younger sister to a psychiatrist because her parents refused to become involved.
You can make a difference by helping the person in need of help find a knowledgeable mental health professional or reputable treatment facility.
In an Acute Crisis

In an acute crisis, take your friend or loved one to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital.
Do not leave them alone until help is available.
Remove from the vicinity any firearms, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Hospitalization may be indicated and may be necessary at least until the crisis abates.
If a psychiatric facility is unavailable, go to your nearest hospital or clinic.
If the above options are unavailable, call your local emergency number or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Follow-up on Treatment

Suicidal patients are often hesitant to seek help and may run away or avoid it after an initial contact unless there is support for their continuing.
If medication is prescribed, take an active role to make sure they are taking the medication and be sure to notify the physician about any unexpected side effects. Often, alternative medications can be prescribed.


This is good. The thing to check for is a plan and ability to carry it out. Notify those closest to the person so they can keep a check but if she/he is suicidal then call 911 and have them committed to a psych ward. They can only be held for 72 hours without consent but it can save a life.

Praying, Rhoni

[JaneEyre]

This is good. The thing to check for is a plan and ability to carry it out. Notify those closest to the person so they can keep a check but if she/he is suicidal then call 911 and have them committed to a psych ward. They can only be held for 72 hours without consent but it can save a life.

Praying, Rhoni

She says she has close family members that are aware. Thanks for praying.