Suicide Prevention & Youth Ministry
Content warning: This post discusses the topic of suicide.
It’s impossible to refer to this as a Great Idea, but this seemed the best way to share Holle Tubbs’s incredibly important and informative Building Faith post.
Read the full post here.
Tubbs introduces us to the horrifying numbers related to ‘pediatric suicide’ – and the challenge of accepting that phrase.
She proceeds by reminding us that, ‘God Keeps Watch’, that is, that ministry leaders and mentors are pastoral care providers are not in this alone. ‘The topic of suicide doesn’t to have to overwhelm us.’
She then outlines her conviction and intention of ‘Forming Healthy Communities to Save Lives’, referencing the article, ‘The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of a Decade of Cross-National Research‘.
Tubbs then provides ‘5 Ways to Increase Suicide Safety in Ministry’, specifically:
1. Equip Yourself – she introduces three suicide prevention training options:
2. Create Shoulder-to-Shoulder Spaces
- balance activity-based engagement spaces with face-to-face conversations
- regular opportunities to share feelings, struggles, and triumphs ‘reduce feelings of isolation and thwarted belongingness’
3. Normalize Mental Health Conversations & Resources
- avoid ‘moonlighting as a therapist’
- equip yourself to refer youth to appropriate mental health resources and practitioners
- display materials (like this Let’s Talk flier) in common (gathering) and private (i.e, restrooms) spaces
4. Build Belonging
- inclusive activities, mentorships and small groups
- meaningful service projects, retreats, pilgrimages
5. Provide Spiritual Support and Prayer
- informed prayer, pastoral care, and spiritual reflection
- compassionate use of liturgy and corporate prayer
Tubbs concludes writing, ‘Suicide prevention is a critical issue facing us today, and churches are uniquely positioned to respond with compassion, support, expertise, and community…’
Find the full post here.
PBS published this startling article on November 8, 2024. LGBTQ+ Youth Calls to Mental Health Crisis Line Spiked by 700 Percent after Election Day.
Please read and share with your congregation on why suicide prevention – and serious equity and justice work – are a key call to our congregations in these days.
