Recognizing Suicidal Risk (In: Clergy Response to Suicidal Persons and Their Family Members, edited by D C Clark)

This chapter highlights information, skills & attitudes that provide the pastor with some basis for recognizing subtle, unfolding suicidal crisis. It is organized around a case illustration, permitting the reader to participate in the assessment, reach conclusions, & compare them with those of “experts.” It suggests that clergy see their role as being part of a larger treatment team that is concerned with care of the person in Body, Mind & Spirit. In this context, 4 dangers are discussed.