75 A Christian Guide to Body Stewardship, Diet and Exercise • Headaches • Digestive problems • Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts Unrelenting suffering, personal failure, and/or failed dreams often lead to anxiety, depression, and/or suicide (Powlison, 2010). However, Scripture provides us with hope (Psalm 31, Psalm 32, Psalm 33:18-19, Romans 8:15-35). It is important to remember that our lives matter to God, that he cares for us, and that we can bring our hopelessness to him (Psalm 86:7; 1 Peter 1:3-5). What to Do if Someone is Suicidal If you are severely depressed, or know someone who is, getting expert help from a mental health professional is essential. Fortunately, treatment for depression can be highly effective (Fahey et al., 2011). However, if chronic depression is left unchecked, it can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Provided below are the recommended steps to take if someone you know is contemplating suicide: • Take suicidal talk seriously. • Show genuine concern. • Encourage the individual to seek professional help. If you are suicidal, or know someone who is, it is important to know you are not alone and that help is available. If the threat of suicide is immediate, seek help immediately (e.g., call 911 or campus safety at (937) 766-7992 or 999 from a campus phone). Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7 at 988 and provides free and confidential talk with trained counselors. Additional resources are available on their website (suicidepreventionlifeline.org). Some of the warning signs of suicide include: • Taking about killing or harming one’s self • Expressing strong feeling of hopelessness or being trapped • An unusual preoccupation with death or dying • Acting recklessly (as if they have a death wish) • Calling or visiting people to say goodbye • Getting personal affairs in order • Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out” • A sudden change from being extremely depressed to acting calm and/or happy
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=