What is Mental Illness?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness one out four persons will experience a mental illness during the span of their lifetime. What this means is that an event or circumstance can affect ones ability to manage and cope with tasks in their daily routine.
A person can experience a number of symptoms that are difficult to control. The severity of the symptoms can vary from difficulty in sleeping, changes in appetite, loss of interest in activities, irritability, poor concentration. In other situations one can hear voices, have difficulty remembering significant events or have thoughts of harming themselves.
It should be noted that the loss reality or psychotic disorders happens in approximately 3% of the population. Therefore it is more commonly reported that a person will experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, an adjustment disorder or trauma during their lifetime.
How one responds to any of these situations varies based upon their coping skills, resiliency and awareness of resources. First Baptist Church is committed to providing education and information that will assist the body of believer's in recognizing the warning signs of mental illness. This page will provide tools that will empower the believer in becoming an informed consumer. In addition there will be practical tips on ways to reduce stress. We hope that you will find this page to be a valuable resource in the months to come.
SUICIDE: WARNING SIGNS
Suicide is rarely a spur of the moment decision. In the days and hours before people kill themselves, there are usually clues and warning signs.
The strongest and most disturbing signs are verbal—“I can’t go on”; “Nothing matters any more”; or even “I’m thinking of ending it all.” Such remarks should always be taken seriously. [If you notice any of these things happening with a participant, DO NOT allow him or her to leave alone. You must get help immediately even if it’s calling 911. Better to err on the side of caution.
OTHER COMMON WARNING SIGNS
- Becoming depressed or withdrawn
- Behaving recklessly
- Getting affairs in order and giving away valued possessions Showing a marked change in behavior, attitudes, or appearance Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Suffering a major loss or life change
- Suddenly becoming extremely happy after a period of depression
SITUATIONS
- Family history of suicide or violence
- Sexual or physical abuse
- Death of a close friend or family member
- Divorce or separation, ending a relationship
- Failing academic performance, impending exams, exam results Job loss, problems at work
- Impending legal action
- Recent imprisonment or upcoming release
BEHAVIORS
- Crying
- Fighting
- Breaking the law Impulsiveness
- Self-mutilation
- Writing about death and suicide Previous suicidal behavior Extremes of behavior Changes in behavior
PHYSICAL CHANGES
- Lack of energy
- Disturbed sleep patterns – sleeping too much or too little Loss of appetite
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Increase in minor illnesses
- Change of sexual interest
- Sudden change in appearance
- Lack of interest in appearance
THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS
- Thoughts of suicide
- Loneliness – lack of support from family and friends Rejection, feeling marginalized
- Deep sadness or guilt
- Unable to see beyond a narrow focus Daydreaming
- Anxiety and stress
- Helplessness
- Loss of self-worth
Below is a website and an 800 number to keep handy in case you have anyone in your group with suicidal tendencies.
The website also provides suicide helplines in several other countries and other important information:
http://www.befrienders.org
Suicide hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Suicide hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
This information is presented for educational and informational purposes. It should not be used as a substitute for intervention by a mental health professional or church leader. While the early intervention of a family member or friend can be part of the process of preventing suicide, it is essential that you seek professional help at the earliest possible point.
Befrienders Worldwide, http://www.befrienders.org/support/warningSigns.php. Used by permission.
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