Do Not Ignore

“I Wish I Were Dead”

“I Wish I Was Never Born”

Have you heard these words?

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the US. For 5-14 year olds, it’s the 3rd leading cause of death. Yes! The 3^rd leading cause of death of our children ages 5-14!!!  For adolescents (15-24 years old), it’s even worse (2nd leading cause of death). 

Why do our children feel hopeless?

Children and adolescents can experience strong feeling of stress and confusion in today’s world.  Self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty and other fears can threaten their well-being.  Divorce, the formation of a new family with step-parents and step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts.  Suicide may appear to be the only solution to their problems.

The warning signs of suicide are especially noteworthy when there has been a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member, a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, conflict with parents, or news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community.

Warning signs:

• Change in eating and sleeping habits.
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities.
• Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away.
• Drug and alcohol use.
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance.
• Marked personality change.
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork.
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
• Not tolerating praise or rewards or complaining of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside.
• Gives verbal hints: “I won’t be a problem for you much longer”; “Nothing matters”; “It’s no use”; and “I won’t see you again.”
• Puts his or her affairs in order (gives away favorite possessions, throws away important belongings).
• Becomes suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.

With Help Comes Hope!

You can help!  Show them you care.  Ask questions:  “I’m worried about you, about how you feel”; “You mean a lot to me. I want to help”; “I am here to talk whenever you need to”; “Are you thinking about suicide?”; “Do you really want to die?”; “Do you want your problems to go away?”

Don’t hesitate to raise the subject! Talking about suicide won’t put the idea in their head.  Chances are, if you’ve observed any of the warning signs, they’re already thinking about it.  Be direct in a caring, non-confrontational way.  Get the conversation started.  Seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.

IF A PERSON SAYS THEY ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE:

• Take the person seriously
• Stay with them
• Help them remove lethal means (e.g., secure all firearms, drugs, medications).
• Contact a mental health professional (see attachment for additional support services in the area).
• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Text HOME to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, available 24/7
• Chat online:www.988lifeline.org/chat/
• Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room. 

If they refuse to go, contact the police and ask for a health and welfare check.  Tell them your concerns.  If they determine them to be at risk, they will admit them to a facility (e.g. hospital) for stabilization regardless of income or insurance.

IF A SUICIDE ATTEMPT HAS OCCURRED,

 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR

GO TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.

The information in this article came from a variety of sources, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, and the Family and Youth Services Bureau-Valparaiso, IN.  The information was compiled by Suzann Klett, a member of the Westville United Methodist Church Outreach Committee which is committed to loving and serving the community.  The Westville United Methodist Church located at 154 W Main St, Westville, Indiana 46391.

January 2026

From the Pastor’s Desk: A New Year, A New Opportunity in Christ

Dear Church Family,

As we step into 2026, we are reminded that every new year is a fresh gift from God—a chance to grow deeper in His grace and experience His fullness in our lives. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV):
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

This year, I invite you to join me in exploring four areas of life where we can make changes that open the door to God’s blessing:

1. Better Priorities

Life is full of demands, but Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” When God is first, everything else falls into its proper place. Let’s commit to prioritizing prayer, worship, and time in His Word above all else.

2. Better Relationships

Healthy relationships reflect God’s love. Forgiveness, kindness, and encouragement should mark our interactions. Ask yourself: Who needs grace from me today? Let’s build bridges, not walls, and strengthen the bonds within our families and church community.

3. Better Choices

Every decision shapes our spiritual journey. Whether it’s how we spend our time, handle our finances, or respond to challenges, let’s choose what honors God. Remember, small daily choices lead to big spiritual victories.

4. Better Christian Witness

Our world needs hope, and we carry the greatest message of all—Jesus Christ. Let’s live in such a way that others see His light in us. Share your faith through words and actions, and let your life be a testimony of God’s goodness.

A Prayer for the New Year

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of a new year. Help us to set better priorities, nurture better relationships, make better choices, and be better witnesses for Christ. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we may walk in Your fullness and blessing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As we journey through 2026, let’s press forward together, trusting that God has great things in store for His people.

In Christ’s love, Pastor Toby

Pastor Toby

• 219-850-3768 (cell)

Toby.guill@inumc.org

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