Addressing the Issue of Suicide

Sometimes, social media – when used correctly – can provide great wisdom.

I saw a quote on Instagram over the weekend that correctly summarizes the effects of suicide:

“Suicide doesn’t end the pain. It just passes it to someone else.”

Still, despite the pain it causes to the victim’s loved ones, suicide is still a scary and prominent issue in today’s society.

For instance, in 2017, popular online streaming service Netflix produced a popular, fictional series entitled 13 Reasons Why, which chronicles the circumstances which lead to the suicide of teenage girl Hannah Baker. In addition, several successful, famous figures have taken their own lives during the first half of 2018, including fashion designer Kate Spade and chef, author and TV star Anthony Bourdain.

So, how does society combat the act of suicide?

Here are four steps to dealing with suicidal thoughts and helping loved ones who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting suicidal tendencies:

  • Please, SEEK HELP

    You are not alone in this. Whether you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or see a loved one struggling to accept their own existence, there are avenues to seek professional help, even without our own church. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Contact the West Angeles Counseling Center HERE.

    Please do not be afraid to share your struggles with others and be willing to seek help. And if someone with suicidal thoughts shares their feelings with you, listen, provide your support, and do not leave that person alone before the two of you agree on a solution to seek help and avoid suicide.

  • Think Selflessly

    Suicide affects a person’s loved ones tremendously. Friends and family members of a suicide victim are often left distraught and wondering what they could have done to prevent such an outcome. They blame themselves and struggle to come to grips with the circumstances revolving around the loss of a loved one to suicide. Please remember that an action such as suicide affects everyone around you.

  • Circumstances Change, But Suicide is Final

    Having a bad day or month or year can be depressing and difficult to overcome…but it can be overcome. Suicide, however, is a circumstance and decision that cannot be reversed. Always remember that life can shift and get better in quick fashion.

  • Seek God

    Read the Bible. See what God has to say about respect for your body and for his plan for your life. Have a look at the verses below:

    Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

    For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

    He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

    We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed… 2 Corinthians 4:8-9