CHOOSE LIFE (Suicide Resources)
This page has resources specific to suicide prevention and loss.
If you have thoughts of suicide, do something now. Call 988, go to a clinic or hospital, call the police station, or tell one or more trusted friends or family members. Do whatever it takes to be safe.
You may well feel different tomorrow and be glad you took steps today to live.
Suicide Loss Survivors
Losing a loved one or close friend to suicide is traumatic. Those who are grieving this type of loss are known as “Suicide Loss Survivors.” Visit these websites for resources:
Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors. Hope after suicide, a place of healing and remembrance.
Suicide Loss Survivors from the American Association of Suicidology. Find downloadable resources and information in Spanish.
AFSP – Find a list of more resources at this page. (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Also visit our page Grief Resources for additional help.
Can anyone take steps to help prevent a suicide? Yes!
Anyone can take online or in-person training. Visit these websites to find training oppotunities.
ASIST – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Living Works/ASIST (Applied Suicide Skills Intervention Training) is the world’s leading suicide prevention and intervention training company. They have been around for over forty years and offer in-person and online classes. I highly recommend their programs. Search their website for training opportunities. There may be a cost involved, depending on where it’s located and if they have grant funding.
- LivingWorks ASIST – Two-day in-Person training
- safeTALK – Three-hour, Two-day Training
- If you log into their website, you can find LivingWorks Start and Living Works Faith, which are online. (There is a charge for these two programs.)
AFSP – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
AFSP is a voluntary organization that brings hope to those affected by suicide. They have an annual walk and other fundraisers that help pay for suicide prevention resources.
More Informational Resources
Veteran Suicide Prevention from Wounded Warrior Project and VA Suicide Prevention
International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers – Suicide and other mental health resources
SAMSHA (Government Website)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Your state or country may also have resources. Minnesota offers online courses anyone can access: Minnesota Suicide Prevention Training Network (MNSPTN).
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” Deuteronomy 30:19, New Living Translation
Faith Community Training
Soul Shop™ is suicide prevention training for faith leaders. It is not just information, it is a movement. The goals are two-fold:
- Equipping faith communities to recognize and respond to suicidal desperation.
- Empowering faith communities to be sources of hope and social connection.
Nancy Poland has attended an eight-hour training course, which allows her to do a shorter training for congregations or youth. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with her for more information.
Take Action!
There are many more resources regarding suicide, including YouTube Videos, local organizations that offer information, and people with personal experience. Whether you read up on suicide prevention techniques, take an in-person class, or find information online, it is time well spent.