As we all continue to wrestle with the death of one of our seniors, we want to help and support you, our BJA parents. While not replacing the home, church, or any other specialized counseling or support, these resources will, we trust, help us come alongside you as you navigate your family through this trying time.
Please contact us if your student exhibits warning signs so that we can be extra vigilant and alert to his or her needs during the school day.
Hotline
The National Suicide Prevention hotline is not specifically Christian, but it is available and gives anyone someone to talk to (24/7 phone: 1-800-273-8255)
Here are short synopses related to guiding teens after the suicide of a loved one.
Suicidal Thoughts and Depression: What Does God Say About This Issue; The Wilds Christian Association
When a Child’s Friend Dies By Suicide; Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (secular, has valuable information)
Talking to Teen About Suicide of Friend or Acquaintance; Focus on the Family (Please note that the second to last paragraph of this article encourages speculation. Most of the common wisdom regarding suicide does not encourage this, and we will be actively trying to discourage that idea as we move forward together.)
Tips for Teachers Following A Suicide; Headspace (secular, has valuable considerations)
Recognize the Warning Signs; NAMI (secular, summarizes risk factors)
These resources have been recommended by BJU campus counselors and BJU Seminary biblical counseling professors.
Books/mini-books available online through various book companies
Hope Beyond Despair: Finding Truth After a Loved One’s Suicide, by Julie Gossack (Focus Publishing). Five of the author’s relatives, including her mother, step-father, and brother committed suicide. In this very short book Julie “shares from personal experience how the truth of Scripture and the hope of the Gospel can bring comfort to those who are living in the aftermath of a suicide.”
When Trouble Comes, by Jim Berg (BJU Press). Longer and more general than Gossack’s book, this gives the main points for handling any crisis.
Suicide: Understanding and Intervening, by Jeffrey S. Black (Resources for Changing Lives). This is a good booklet for becoming more aware of when someone is struggling and what to do. It is preventative.
I Just Want to Die: Replacing Suicidal Thoughts with Hope, by David Powlison (New Growth Press). This short booklet is for the person considering suicide.
Help! Someone I Love Died by Suicide, by Bruce Ray (Shepherd Press). “This mini-book comes alongside to offer help to those who are grieving, and, most importantly, provides hope in Jesus Christ.”
Depression: Looking Up From Stubborn Darkness, by Ed Welch (New Growth Press). “Addresses the complex nature of depression with compassion and insight, applying the rich treasures of the gospel, and giving fresh hope to those who struggle.”
These podcasts and sermons may also be helpful.
Ministering to Families after Suicide (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors)
Understanding and Dealing with Suicide (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors)
When All Hope Seems Lost (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors)
Secrets of the Good Life (Jim Berg sermon series on Ecclesiastes)
Other resources
Suicide Prevention and Grieving a Suicide (Biblical Counseling Coalition): collection of information and resources; some links are broken.
Grief-Share Program: offered by Hampton Park Baptist Church, scholarships are available for BJA students.