September is suicide prevention/awareness month. It is no secret that suicide results in significant social and physical problems. Years of research on suicide have primarily concentrated on the risk factors for suicidal behavior while ignoring protective factors like resilience that could aid in addressing this critical public health issue. The ability and dynamic process of overcoming stress and adversity while maintaining normal psychological and physical functioning is known as resilience.
Resilience is courage in the face of fear and despair. It is hope when it seems all hope is lost. And it is tenacity to not quit when everything and everyone says you should. Resilience is a protective factor that can be utilized when risk factors for suicide are recognized. Gratitude, optimism, a changing environment, and promoting healthy support systems, for instance, can help someone feel less suicidal and increase resilience.
Strategies at all levels are necessary to prevent suicide. This covers preventative measures and safeguards for people, families, and communities. Becoming aware of the indicators, encouraging prevention and resilience, and making a commitment to social change contribute to the prevention of suicide.
Here are resiliency protective factors that can help people with suicidal ideation have hope:
Social connectivity and support
Promote healthy connections with family, friends, coworkers, and local church family. This connection starts with educating those around us on the warning signs, offering support not judgment, and offering prayers for the person dealing with suicidal thoughts. Helping individuals connect with appropriate social programs (addiction specialists, rehab, counselors, therapists, psychiatrists, financial assistance, etc.)
Self-awareness and self-kindness
Minimizing negative self-judgments aids in balancing out negative emotional states like self-hatred, shame/stigma, and isolation. Arresting negative thought processes and replacing them with the truth and self-affirmation. No matter how awful one believes he or she is, the truth is you were created for more than what your feelings may be suggesting. See Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You are loved, special, and worthy of compassion and kindness.
Reducing the availability of drugs, firearms, and other dangerous options
It is critical to consider how your family is storing firearms, medications, chemicals, sharps, and anything else your child may use to harm their body. If previous suicide attempts have been made ensure that items that could be used lethally be removed or locked for safety.
Healthy habits-change perspective and a way of life
Overall well-being is promoted by getting enough rest, maintaining good cleanliness, a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity. Limit alcohol or other substance use. Do not get drunk on wine because it will ruin your life Eph 5:18 (NLT). Get moving, change view perception and perspective. Healthy habits, and a healthy life, start with you doing the next right thing to help you get there.
Establish safe environments
Creating a safe environment is not only making sure weapons or other objects are well out of reach, it is also setting an atmosphere of mutual love, respect, compassion, and kindness. It is what you see, listen to, and ingest in your mouth and spirit. A loving nurturing environment promotes resilience, hope and perseverance.
Final thoughts: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise Phil 4:6-8 (NLT). By doing this it will promote resilience in the face of adversity and despair.