Guide for Cross-Cultural Workers

Suicide

What to do when I’m not doing well

Life as a cross-cultural worker can be challenging, stressful, and even overwhelming. The pressures, stress, and weight of life can be scary, and sometimes people feel out of options and wish they were not alive. Even Jonah, an early missionary, said, “I’d be better off dead” (Jonah 4:8). In such situations, it is important to remember that seeking help is not excessive or a bother but a necessary step towards finding support.  

What If I or someone I love is thinking about suicide?

Remember, you are not alone. For SIL staff members, you have a network of support available. Counselors with SIL, Wycliffe USA, or your staff care facilitator are always ready to assist you. Additionally, your supervisor, team leader, or service group director, even if they are on home assignment, can help connect you to the necessary resources. It may be helpful not to be alone, so reaching out to someone in your country of service who can be with you is important, too. This is also true if a colleague, friend, or family member struggles. In particular, if teens are struggling, it is important to reach out for help right away. There are many reasons that teens may contemplate self-harm or ending their life and you can read more in the Suicide and Teens link below.

Teens and Suicide

Helping Teens Cope With Loss

What should you do if someone your teen knows has attempted or died by suicide? First, acknowledge your child’s many emotions. Some teens say they feel guilty — especially those who felt they could have interpreted their friend’s actions and words better.

Others say they feel angry with the person who committed or attempted suicide for having done something selfish. Still others say they feel no strong emotions or don’t know how to express how they feel. Reassure your child that there is no right or wrong way to feel, and that it’s OK to talk about it when they’re ready.

When someone attempts suicide and survives, people might be afraid of or uncomfortable talking with them about it. Tell your teen to resist this urge — this is a time when a person needs to feel connected to others.

Many schools address a student’s suicide by calling in special counselors to talk with the students and help them cope. If your teen is dealing with a friend or classmate’s suicide, encourage them to use resources or to talk to you or another trusted adult. Medically reviewed by: Christina M. Cammarata, PhD

Hotlines, WhatsApp Support and Websites

Hospitalization or counseling for mental health emergencies

For psychiatric referrals in the field, several centers specialize in cross-cultural workers and offer consultations or distant care when appropriate. 

  • Valeo Global: Adult and Child Psychiatry is available virtually.
  • Cornerstone Counseling: Adult and Child Psychiatry is available virtually and in Thailand. 
  • Link Care: Based in California with onsite psychiatry. 
  • Psychiatry UK Psychiatric Resources in the UKRESAM French Member Care Resources

Additional Resources

More resources are now available for missionaries on the field, including both in-person and virtual care options. The type of care will be different depending on the organization. Often, counseling is in-person short-term intensives, evaluations or retreats at some centers. Others offer ongoing counseling virtually or ongoing counseling in-person.

Psychological / Neuropsychological Referrals for Assessment

  • South Carolina, USA: Valeo Global: Adult and Child Psychiatry is available virtually. *
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand: Cornerstone Counseling: Adult and Child Psychiatry. *
  • North Carolina, USA: Frauke Schaefer; http://www.fraukeschaefermd.com/
  • California USA: Link Care; http://linkcare.org/ – has a residential program *

Counseling for Individual and Marriage Counseling/Therapy

Counseling for Child and Adolescent Therapy

Pastoral Care

Self-help/ Support Groups Available Online

*Family Therapy included