BY CJ GIBSON
Disclaimer: The Light in the Dark presentation discusses the sensitive topics of suicide, self-harm, and Christianity, which may be upsetting to some readers. Continue at your own discretion.
Last month, Kelly Center counselors Sadie Spurlock and Kenton Olliff provided a free suicide prevention training event in the Black and Gold Room of the Memorial Union.
Milk and cookies were provided to participants before the session, and afterwards all attendees were given a $5 Starbucks gift card.
First, Spurlock shared some statistics and facts about suicide.
“More than 44,000 people die by suicide each year, which averages about 121 deaths a day, so this is a huge issue that we face,” Spurlock said.
Spurlock also explained that suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents, and the second cause of death among college students.
According to Spurlock’s presentation, there are two tiers to be considered when examining signs of suicide.
Tier one includes urgent signs, such as looking for methods to commit suicide, talking about death, and not being able to find a will to live.
Tier two includes subtle signs, such as hopelessness, acting recklessly, increasing alcohol or drug use, withdrawing socially, insomnia, and dramatic changes in eating patterns.
If these signs are apparent, Spurlock suggested that people should directly ask whether someone is suicidal.
“It’s a commonly held belief that asking about suicide actually increases suicidal thoughts, and that has actually been proven to be a myth,” Spurlock said. “Research has shown us that asking about suicide actually creates a sense of acceptance or belonging and challenges the perspective of burdensomeness.”
Spurlock emphasized the importance of paraphrasing the person’s feelings back to them when listening to the concerns of others.
“We also want to avoid turning the conversation to yourself,” she said. “While I understand that that’s us trying to connect with that person and build rapport, it can actually minimize that person’s experience, and so we want to try and avoid turning the conversation to ourselves if it’s not going to be helpful in the moment and if it’s going to take away from what they’re experiencing.”
Spurlock presented the different spiritual tools that people can use to help overcome suicidal thoughts and Bible verses associated with each topic:
WISDOM
- James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
FAITH
- John 7:38 – Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – For we live by faith, not by sight.
HOPE
- Hebrews 6:19 – We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.
RELATIONSHIP
- Proverbs 27:9 – Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
EMPATHY
- Galatians 6:2 – Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
LOVE/ACCEPTANCE
- Romans 12:5 – So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
- John 13:34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
For the second portion of the presentation, Olliff presented the different qualities of resilient individuals and Bible verses associated with each trait.
COLLABORATION
- Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
OPTIMISM
- Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
MASTERY
- Galatians 6:4-5 – Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
SELF-CARE
- Luke 5:16 – But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
SELF-REFLECTION
- Revelation 12:11 – They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
- Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
SELF-AWARENESS
- Psalm 139:23-24 – Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, there are resources available to help. The Kelly Center provides free confidential counseling services for FHSU students, and there are other mental health services in Hays. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.
To watch the presentation virtually, email sespurlock@fhsu.edu.