If you or someone you know may be considering suicide then immediately call National Suicide Prevention LifeLine at 1.800.273.8255. Please call NOW!
It’s been said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is help available no matter how dire one considers the circumstances. There is hope! Please reach out for help before reaching the point of no return!
Throughout my life I have personally known those who committed suicide. The list includes relatives, friends, former teacher, former classmate, friend’s parent, friend’s child, associates…. Sadly it’s way too long a list!
In every case the grief and pain of those left behind is excruciating, and the pain only deepens to think something could have been done to prevent it. Circumstances are not improved by death, and loved ones remaining fail to feel “better off.”
There’s no group that’s exempt from being touched by the agony and suffering related to suicide. Included are teens, veterans, native Americans, mentally ill, celebrities, substance abusers, privileged, even people with seemingly perfect lives, and on and on.
Thankfully there are many resources to help prevent suicides and to help grieving loved ones after suicide as well. I think it is hopeful that many organizations and individuals choose to help others cope with real pain of living and sorrow of those surviving. Research… learn warning signs… get help for self and for others.
BOOKS (a few of many):
Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One’s Search for Comfort, Answers and Hope by Albert Y. Hsu
No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One by Carla Fine
When the Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper
Finding Your Way after the Suicide of Someone You Love by David Biebel and Suzanne Foster
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
800.273.8255 / 800.273.TALK (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, trained counselors 24 hours/day, 7 days/week)
911 (for immediate suicide danger or any emergency 24/7)
988 (new national suicide prevention or mental health crisis number 24/7)
741-741 (crisis text line with trained counselors)
Also there are many international numbers to call if outside the US.
WEB ARTICLES (including authors with meaningful personal experiences regarding suicide):
Cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/hardships/suicide-prevention-resources.html
Desiringgod.org/topics (click on “life issues” then “suicide”)
If you feel overwhelmed, know you are not alone. Your crisis is temporary. There is help to end your pain without ending your life. With help comes hope. Please reach out.
Know you are loved by your Creator. He has a wonderful plan for your life. Seek Him. He wants a relationship with you. He wants to give you abundant life. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Ultimately God is the only One Who can make you a new creation. Trust Him to do what He said He will do according to the Bible.
If on the verge of suicide please commit to delaying this action. Instead seriously seek a relationship (or closer one) with your Creator God through the Way, the Truth, the Life — Jesus Christ. God alone has the right of life or death. Choose Him… choose hope… choose Life.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)