The Sadness of Suicide
Suicide. That word alone causes so many thoughts and emotions. Maybe it is a word that is never talked about around you. To some, it's a deep pain that brings a loved one to mind. To others, it's a reality that you think of daily. Regardless of how or why you think about it, suicide is a tragedy that occurs far too often.
Odds are, you chose to read this blog because you may have suicidal thoughts or have a friend who has them. Today, I want to equip you with biblical truth, practical advice, and spiritual wisdom on what to do if suicide has been on your mind recently.
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
Let's start with the basics. Suicidal thoughts can occur because of situational sadness and trauma or can result from taking certain medications, mental disorders, or chemical imbalances.
Some warning signs of suicidal thoughts include:
Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;
Looking for a way to kill oneself;
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;
Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;
Talking about being a burden to others;
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;
Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;
Sleeping too little or too much;
Withdrawing or feeling isolated;
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and
Displaying extreme mood swings.
HOW TO GET HELP
Personally speaking, someone very close to me threatened suicide. The first question they asked after leaving the hospital was, "what will everyone think of me?" You may be asking this question too. The only thing anybody experienced or thought was sweet relief in my situation. We were all so glad. We were all so thankful. Why? Because our person is still here with us.
If you or someone close to you shows warning signs of suicidal thoughts, here are some practical next steps to get help.
CALL A HOTLINE OR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
If you are in immediate danger or feel someone else is, call 911 or the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
TELL A TRUSTED ADULT IN YOUR LIFE.
Proverbs 24:6 says: "For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." Tell a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, teacher, coach, or student pastor about your thoughts. They want to get the proper help and treatment you need. They want nothing more than for you to experience victory!
GO TO A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL.
You may need to process something that needs professional or medical help. Schedule a time to sit down with your school counselor, doctor, or therapist. There are options and resources for you to use!
Suicidal thoughts, first and foremost, require physical and medical attention. However, there is definitely a spiritual component to this as well:
PRAY TO A GOD WHO LISTENS.
When you are engaged in what someone has to say, you often lean in to listen to them. In these moments, you're not close because you can't hear them but because you are enthralled by what they have to say. Likewise, a verse that changed my prayer life forever is Psalm 116:1-2 NLT. It says: "I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!"
Girlfriend, God is bending down to listen to you because He cares about what you have to say. He bends down to listen. Tell Him what sorrow, sadness, and suicidal thoughts are on your mind. He knows about them but invites you to share with Him!
TRAIN YOUR MIND TO LISTEN TO TRUTH.
Sometimes it feels like our brains won't stop thinking. We are constantly second-guessing ourselves, asking what-if questions, playing out potential scenarios in our heads, and comparing ourselves to others. If not careful, we can allow our thoughts to overtake us.
Paul encourages us, as believers, to train our minds for good. In Philippians 4:8, he said: "whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." We have to train our minds to think differently from how the world around us thinks.
Training our minds to dwell on truth takes time. A star athlete did not become a star overnight. A marathon runner did not wake up and run 26.2 miles one day. But, we reap the benefits of dwelling on God's Word and power if so!
COPING WITH LOSS
Perhaps you aren't struggling with suicidal thoughts but are coping with someone you loved who died by suicide. I wish I could give you a magical answer to dealing with death, but everyone experiences grief differently.
It's okay to experience sadness, hurt, anger, and whatever emotion you feel. However, it isn't okay to stay that way. To work toward healing, here are a few things you can do:
DRAW NEAR TO JESUS.
Psalm 34:18 says: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Read scripture. Start in Psalms. Draw near to Him through your grief!
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHERS.
It's easy to isolate yourself, but try to find support and community from others. Proverbs tells us that iron sharpens iron. When we are feeling down, turn to others for encouragement!
FOCUS ON THE GOOD.
It's easy to ask why this happened, but you might never get that answer. Share with others some of the best memories you have had with that person. Focus on the things you loved about them.
Overall, whether you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, helping a friend, or dealing with your loss, remember you are loved. It might not be easy to share with someone about your suicidal thoughts, but both your family and friends and our God want you to find victory and experience true life. Find comfort in the Lord as you seek help and health!
MORE RESOURCES:
National Suicide Prevention Number: 1-800-273-8255
MEET THE AUTHOR
Hannah Knight is a cheerleader of girls and women and their pursuit of faith. There is no other adventure in the world like the adventure we have with Jesus! In her free time, she likes to spend time with her husband, Cody, and their pug, Pippa! She also enjoys riding her bike and listening to podcasts. Follow her on Instagram @iamhannahknight.