Suicide Prevention At Church?

As a formally mentally ill patient whose also a Christian, I was devestated at how Churches treat believers who are suicidal. I had a couple incidents where the secretary told me that according to the churches policy I had to LEAVE the property for feeling that way. I had another incident where the pastor asked me if I was gay. And another incident where the Bishop held in how he felt about it and then several weeks later, took me into his office and Blew Up On Me for mentioning it. What is going on in the body of Christ. Why is there little or no suicide prevention programs in Churches?

Suicide Prevention At Church?
I'm saddened by your experience. Sorry to hear that this is the case at your local church. Fortunately, this is not the norm nor the rule though with church counseling pastors.





I'm wondering if the problem with their obviously inaccurate and uncompassionate perspective is because of either their insurance policy says about treating counselees with suicidal impulses or what many who just have a little knowledge of suicidality with post-traumatic stress disordered folks (which can be a life long condition and struggle for many) think about those who frequently experience and share these impulses with others, or both? Many believe, and wrongly so, that it's just "those types" trying to get attention. Many people who are only trained enough to be assistant staff at inpatient units do have a tendency to wrongfully think this way.





My suggestion to you is to not try to fix them, for you'll just continue to be in a power struggle trying to get them to understand. For whatever reason, they must think that you are not trying to get help from them, but rather cause trouble. Crazy, isn't it? So, go to a supportive church who won't act out with such fear and "pigeonhole" you like this, and shows at least an open mind to your situation, and better yet has access to support groups and counseling like the following: Living Waters Program, a DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) support group, or at least a Celebrate Recovery group.





I hope this helps and God's abundant blessings in your walk with Him!
Reply:My church has a great suicide prevention program, so I'm not sure what one you're involved in...
Reply:Cuts out the middle-man.
Reply:That's terrible. We have several people at church who are mentally ill, and unless they become violent, we welcome them (we've only had one problem). Our pastor routinely refers people for counseling and therapy. You should seek out a church that is more accepting of behavior and not so judgemental. That's really sad. Blessings to you!
Reply:They have one at the church I used to go to.
Reply:Look in the paper for a support group or call a hotline.
Reply:"Even churches have forsaken love and mercy." (Leeland, Tears of the Saints).





Some genius probably told them that their insurance requires them to get suicidal people of the premises.





I am SO sorry that happened to you -- it never should have.





I hope you're getting some psychotherapy or have seen a doctor to discuss your feelings--this is something you don't need to handle on your own.





A lot of churches aren't equipped to handle mental illness or emotional problems-- and they are afraid to try. I'm glad to say that many churches ARE now offering counseling by trained professionals on their premises.





I will be holding you in prayer this evening. Peace be with you.





http://youtube.com/watch?v=qJjg1Joag_0
Reply:No one and I mean No one can understand that kind of depression,,unless they have been there..





Voice of experience..
Reply:first there is no money in preventing suicide or not enough. second weather the religious or the atheists are right it doesn't matter both ways life is so precious in its self that we should truly consider both. if an almighty god created us and just us we are too precious to die early and if it is chance that we are here the chances that life exists elsewhere are slim possible but for now we only know for a fact that it is us which makes us pretty rare in the universe.
Reply:I appreciate your thoughts. Suicide prevention is probably a subject most people - not just Christians - have little experience with and an irrational fear of learning about it.





I hope you can find a church where you will be accepted, loved, and counseled properly.





But do not expect too much. Churches are filled with loving people - but often they are not professionally trained to help those with suicidal tendencies.





But I would certainly encourage you to try to find a church where people love God, love each other, study the bible, pray together, cry together....





God bless
Reply:Suicide is unable repenting sin.
Reply:PLEASE find a gay affirming church. Even among Mormans or Catholics there are support groups.





I attempted suicide at age 20. I only failed because I took too many pills and threw them up. The next year was total torment.





But please BELIEVE that there are many people out there who DO understand and who DO love you. Please find them. Do not allow the ignorance of others keep their hold on you.





Google gaychristians.





Forgive me: I realize that I just assumed you were gay. But even still there are churches and church members out there who DO CARE and who DO understand. Please seek them out.