Zondervan - Revolution Bible: Battlelines

Lamentations 3:21-22 This I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
Isaiah 59:1 Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has the power over the day of his death.

Rapha, a Christian Ministry that provides help and counseling for many difficult issues and situations (800) 383-HOPE
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (888) 333-2377
The National Hopeline Network (800) SUICIDE

Here are some key warning signs you might notice with someone who has suicidal tendencies, such as the following:

Sudden change in eating and/or sleeping habits.
Giving away possessions or making a will.
Sudden mood swings.
Sudden changes in appearance (clothing, hairstyle, lack of hygiene).
Tendency to isolate self for extended periods and resenting requests to come out of isolation.
Withdrawal from friends, family and other close relationships.
Sudden changes in communication patterns.
Uncustomary passivity, lack of emotional response or “lashing out” inappropriately.
Unwillingness or reluctance to discuss the future.
Saying things like: “I won’t be here.” “You won’t have to deal with me.” “You’d be better off without me.” “Life is meaningless.”
Fascination with guns, knives, fire, death.
Romanticizing death.
Listening exclusively to death-related, depressing music.
Lack of interest in usually enjoyable activities.
Resentment, belligerence or disdain toward optimistic outlooks (happy music, happy endings, etc.)
Inability to compromise or see alternative (i.e., more optimistic) viewpoints.
Decline in grades without any apparent reason.
Decline in physical activity.
Frantic, compulsive behavior.
Sleeplessness and irritability.
Headaches, stomachaches and other “vague” physical discomforts.
Inability to concentrate.
Generalized anxiety or despondency.
Onset of risky behaviors, such as reckless driving, skating, bike-riding, swimming alone, drug experimentation, sexual promiscuity, self-mutilation, fighting and baiting others towards physical confrontation.

These recommended websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content.

http://www.teenline.org/index.html, A Christian counseling site for teens.
www.metanoia.org/suicide A site with emergency help for people who feel suicidal.
www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2001/006/11.57.html An article dealing with suicide—includes places to contact for more help.
www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/9w4/9w4068.html The real story of one woman’s attempt to cope with her brother’s suicide.
yellowribbon.org/Cards.html Order free yellow ribbon cards for teens to give to a responsible adult when they need to ask for help.

If you notice that a friend is displaying these signs and you’re worried, get help immediately. Don’t wait around. You could save your friend’s life!

The Power to Prevent Suicide by Richard Nelson, Judith Galas, and Pamela Espeland, a guide for teens who want to help their friends.
Find out how to buy this...
Grieving a Suicide by Albert Y. Hsu, advice for dealing with the suicide of someone you know.
Find out how to buy this...
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Kay Redfield Jamison, a book to help you recognize and come to the aid of those at risk, and to comprehend the profound effects of suicide on those left behind.
Find out how to buy this...

Suicide