Endorsements
So Much to Live For
The suicide rate in the US is astounding, yet many people dont know how to approach a friend or family member who is facing the struggle. Dr. Jantz is on a mission to save lives as he provides clear and compassionate strategies for approaching suicide intervention.
Harold G. Koenig, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health at Duke University
This is an impressive, uplifting book about what can be an overwhelming topic. Read it now. You need this wisdom so you can be proactive instead of reactive when (not if) someone you know doubts life is worth living. Dr. Jantz does what he says hell dohe provides excellent help that will increase your hope. The book is easy to read and is full of inspiring illustrations, timely examples, and practical, sensible ideas and strategies. Parents, educators, pastors, and other professionals will be better prepared to love people well who live with pressures and challenges. Suicide is preventable!
Dr. Kathy Koch , founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc.; author of Screens and Teens , Great Smarts , Start with the Heart , and Five to Thrive
Praise for Healing the Scars of Addiction
Pain is inevitablebut misery is optional. If you are miserable because of some addiction, some repetitive pattern of behavior that only brings you suffering, then opt for freedom! In Healing the Scars of Addiction , Dr. Jantz has provided the tools you need to heal, to overcometo be free!
Timothy R. Jennings , MD, DFAPA, past president of the Tennessee and Southern Psychiatric Associations; author of The God- Shaped Heart
Healing the Scars of Addiction provides understanding, helpful steps, and realistic hope for those who are struggling with various forms of addiction and want to reclaim their lives from addiction and move forward into a healthier life. I highly recommend it!
Siang- Yang Tan , PhD, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective
Praise for Healing the Scars of Childhood Abuse
Healing the Scars of Childhood Abuse is a very important book. It takes on the lasting implications of childhood trauma with empathy and hope. Dr. Jantz tells the story of trauma through the eyes of the children. Those stories make this book a page-turner. As the stories unfold, the authors psychological wisdom and practical insight grow organically. In this way, this book is a moving personal experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to heal the past and build a new future.
Michael Gurian , New York Times bestselling author of The Wonder of Boys and The Wonder of Girls
Healing the Scars of Childhood Abuse is a clearly written book that will be of great help to those dealing with the long-term effects of childhood abuse and wanting to heal and move on to deeper wholeness. I highly recommend it!
Siang- Yang Tan , PhD, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, and author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective
Half Title Page
Books by the Authors
Books by Gregory L. Jantz, PhD,
with Ann McMurray
Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse
Overcoming Anxiety, Worry, and Fear
Every Womans Guide to Managing Your Anger
Healing the Scars of Childhood Abuse
Healing the Scars of Addiction
Books by Gregory L. Jantz, PhD,
and Dr. Tim Clinton,
with Ann McMurray
Dont Call It Love
Title Page
Copyright Page
2021 by Gregory L. Jantz
Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.revellbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2021
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-3199-1
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations labeled NASB are from the (NASB) New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org
Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Published in association with The Bindery Agency, www.TheBinderyAgency.com.
The names and details of the people and situations described in this book have been changed or presented in composite form in order to ensure the privacy of those with whom the author has worked.
Dedication
This book is dedicated
to all of the people who are struggling
with deep issues that lead them to think suicide
is an option to end their pain.
And to the people who love them enough
to step in and step up to make a difference.
There is indeed so much to live for.
God has guaranteed it!
Note to Readers
Note to Readers
with a Loved One in Crisis
If you need immediate guidance on how to help someone you believe is considering self-harm, turn to:
Chapter 6: Signs and Symptoms: Red Flags That Should Put You on Red Alert
Chapter 8: Step In and Speak Up: What to Do When You Believe Someone Is Suicidal
Later, you can read the other chapters to fully understand the factors that lead someone to contemplate suicide.
Contents
Endorsements
Half Title Page
Books by the Authors
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Note to Readers
Prologue: Hope amid Heartache
Part 1: Understanding Your Loved Ones Desperate Struggle
1. Lifelines: The Vital Role of Family, Friends, and Close Caregivers
2. Why Here, Why Now? Factors Fueling the Modern-Day Suicide Surge
3. Why They Do It: Common Causes of Suicide
4. Who Is at High Risk? Suicide Does Not Discriminate, but Some People Are More Vulnerable Than Others
5. Setting the Record Straight: Unmasking Myths and Misconceptions about Suicide
Part 2: Helping Your Loved One Move beyond Crisis and toward Wellness
6. Signs and Symptoms: Red Flags That Should Put You on Red Alert
8. Step In and Speak Up: What to Do When You Believe Someone Is Suicidal
9. Whole-Person Wellness: Solid Steps toward Stability
10. Learning to Live Again: Helpful Steps toward a Hopeful Future
Appendix A: Troubled Teenagers: Why They Are at Risk and What Can Be Done
Appendix B: The Science behind Suicide: How Physiology, Brain Chemistry, and Other Factors Contribute to a Drastic Decision
Appendix C: Reasons to Hope on the Road Ahead: Innovative Strategies in the Battle against Suicide
Acknowledgments
Notes
Recommended Resources
About the Authors
Back Ads
Back Cover
Prologue
Hope amid Heartache
Future, depression, hope, and suicide.
We rarely see those words strung together as if they belong next to each other.
We know how the words depression and suicide are linked, signifying serious problems in a persons life.
And we know that hope and future fit together well, indicating the confidence to look forward with optimism.
I believe all of these words do intersect in a significant way: for people struggling with depression and related issueseven to the point of contemplating suicidethere is indeed a future and a hope. I wouldnt have written this book if I didnt believe with my whole heart that everyone has so much to live for.