Don't Take Suicide Threats Lightly Pt 2.

I am dealing with the topic of suicide. I mentioned yesterday  a man from the Bible called Ahithophel. This man gave advice to King David. He was a very wise man, and the king and his high officials thought that his advice was so good that it was just as good as God's. This made him very proud. But Ahithophel sinned by being disloyal to the God- appointed king, and defecting to David's son, Absalom. Absalom decided to listen to another counsellor's advice rather than Ahithophel, who therefore felt so rejected and upset that he hung himself.

Did Ahithophel, or the two boys that I referred to yesterday, exhibit any warning signs? How can you know if someone wants to commit suicide? 

Warning Signs For Suicide

It is a sad thing to know that people would want to take their own lives. Suicide is a cry for help, the only way that some people think that they could get relief from unbearable hurt and pain. Fortunately, you can know when someone is thinking of committing suicide. 

Some persons simply tell their relatives that they are going to commit suicide. The young 12 year old boy told his grandmother that he was going to kill himself. He also felt angry because he did not get anything for his birthday. Uncontrolled anger is a sign that something may be wrong.

The person may talk or write about death and dying. I think that maybe Ahihophel felt this way too.

Take quick notice when you see a child or adult giving away things that he may treasure, like well-loved toys, clothes, books etc.  This is a sure sign. They may also lose interest in things that they once had keen interest in. Ahithophel began leaving orders about his family and his property.

The person  may also indulge in risky behaviour without any concern for physical safety and consequences.

A person may begin taking drugs or drinking alcohol or increase the amount taken. They may also show changes in mood or personality, like from being an outgoing person to being withdrawn, or a obedient child suddenly being defiant to parents.

All these are clues that can alert someone to the possibility that a loved one may be thinking of suicide. If you see these signs, there are things that can be done to prevent the person from going through with it. I will deal with these things tomorrow.

"At that time the people thought Ahithophel's advice was as reliable as God's own word. Both David and Abslom thought that it was that reliable...Absalom and all the Israelites said, " the advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel"...When Ahithophel saw that the Israelites did not accept his advice, he saddled his donkey and went to his hometown. He left orders for his family and property, and then he hanged himself. He died and was buried in his father's tomb." 2 Samuel 16: 23 and 2 Samuel 17: 14, 23 (New Century Version).