Page 40 - Branch Leader Guide

Branch Leader Guide

• Dangerous or self-harmful behavior: Potentially dangerous behavior such as
reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex and increased use of drugs and or
alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
• Recent trauma or life crisis: A major life crisis might trigger a suicide attempt.
Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or breakup of a
relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job or serious financial
problems.
• Making preparations: Often a person considering suicide will begin to put his or
her personal affairs in order. This might include visiting friends and family
members, giving away personal possessions, making a will or cleaning up his or
her room. Some people will write a note before committing suicide; some will
buy a firearm or other means like poison.
• Threatening suicide: From 50 to 75 percent of those considering suicide will give
someone like a friend or a relative a warning sign. However, not everyone who is
considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will
follow through with it. Again, every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.
In summary, many of these feelings are experienced occasionally by many of us,
but it is the consistency and severity of the feelings that indicate suicidal
behavior.

Personal Boundaries for Group Leaders

Occasionally, a group member will latch on to the group leader because of a sense of
isolation. This person might be so grateful for the kindness of the group facilitator that
he/she will cross some personal boundaries and desire more contact than the group has
to offer. Keep in mind that group leaders can help in connecting members to one
another, but they are not responsible for "fixing" members’ personal problems. The
message that a leader doesn’t have to be "friends" with a branch member is usually
conveyed without words. Try to suggest, in a friendly way, that as much as you would
like to be of help, you are not a professional counselor. Suggest that it might be worth
bringing up these issues in group and have a few referrals to local therapists on hand.
Most communities have a mental health clinic with sliding scale fees. This is one way to
protect yourself from "burnout" as a group leader. Having strong boundaries and
protecting your own time is extremely important. Most leaders and many health
professionals have a hard time saying no or disappointing others, but these are skills
worth learning to protect your own mental health.

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