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Welcome
Clergy member |
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“He
came to my office one day a few weeks before he took his
life, and we talked about many things. But I remember one
part of that conversation distinctly. He asked if God could
forgive any sin, I think about that and what he might have
been trying to say….”
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| Suicide
is a risk to the lives of people in the United States and
worldwide. Clergy members have a unique role in people's
lives that offer the opportunity to help people at risk for
suicide in ways that other professionals, family members,
and community members cannot.
Providing
the first line of defense
Each
year more than 29,000 Americans will end their life as a way
to escape the intolerable pain of living. Some of them may
look to you for help. Clergy members are on the front lines
for interacting with people who may have thoughts of suicide.
Making
a difference – and saving a life
As a cleric,
your role as counselor may be part of who you are and what you
do. It is important to remember that you cannot be all things
to all people. Without specialized training, it is very
difficult to adequately treat a person with suicidal thoughts
and behaviors. Access emergency, crisis, and mental health
services when you are working with someone who is currently
suicidal or at risk for suicide. Effective treatment
often occurs with the help of numerous professionals working
together to best meet the needs of a person at risk. |
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| What
to look for as a member of the clergy |
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Find
information about associated factors contributing to suicide
risk, the importance of listening and observation as well
as resources that can be used for preventive and proactive
measures. |
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| What
to do to help as a member of the clergy |
| Taking
the threat of suicide seriously is a primary step in what to
do to help someone at risk for suicide. Clerics are in
a unique position to support and refer people to appropriate
treatment services. Find information and resources on
what to do in a crisis or non-crisis situation. |
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| What
education is available for a member of the clergy
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| Find
information for enhancing your knowledge of suicide and suicide
prevention as well as potential resources for individuals who
are seeking information from you as survivors of suicide.
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| What
researchers are doing to impact members of the clergy
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| Find
information for the clergy to stay current with their knowledge
of suicide and advocate for new and innovative research in the
fields of suicide and suicide prevention. |
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| What
other resources are available for members of the Clergy
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| Sometimes
there are resources that do not “fit” into any one category.
Find various information sources that offer additional
information on suicide and suicide prevention of interest to
members of the clergy. |
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| Clergy member as intermediary
pages were last updated March 15, 2004 |
