SUICIDE

Most people who are suicidal are also depressed. The two prime reasons that a person becomes depressed, are a loss of control, over their life situation and of their emotions, and secondly a loss of a positive sense of their future (loss of hope). Any therapy that is to be effective in reversing our depressed state, and the resultant suicidal urges, will have to help us regain control, and help us regain hope.

Being depressed causes us to narrow our view of the world around us to such an extent that reality becomes distorted. The negative in our lives is constantly reinforced and the positive around us is discounted as being irrelevant, or even non-existent. Options to help solve our problems are rejected as having no merit, until it seems as if there is no possible solution.

An unrelenting and oppressive sadness comes over us, which causes a very real pain, as if the pain of the sudden loss of a parent stays with us for weeks, months, and even years. It is as if we are trapped in a dark cave or possibly a tunnel that runs only from our constant pain to somewhere near hell, with no exit to heaven and no exit to joy. We begin to think that there is no relief and that this pain will never end. Tomorrow will be the same, or worse. Death may be the only solution!

Suicide is not a solution; it is an end before a solution can be found. It cannot be considered an option, for an option denotes we have a choice and death robs us of both, option and choice. Death is an irreversible act that does not end the pain, for it remains in those who are left behind. Even people who are totally alone, and take their own lives, transfer their pain to those of us in society who do care, and we do - care!

Many people have suicidal thoughts at some time during their lives. For most the thought is fleeting, happening after a major life loss, or at some point in life where they perceive the future as becoming hopeless. For others, life is not quite so kind, they may have a strong genetic propensity to become depressed, a chemical imbalance, or a series of unfortunate life experiences may eventually end in depression. Still others have much to do with causing their own pain by using an unrealistic cognitive thought process and having expectations in life that are not possible to achieve. Whatever the cause, we are all at risk of having strong suicidal urges when it seems as though the future has become hopeless.

There is no class or type of person that is exempt from having suicidal thoughts. Doctors, therapists, and teenagers from all walks of life, are all high on the percentage lists of completed suicide, although it seems that those people with strong religious convictions are least likely to attempt.

 Groups at risk:

Men:  Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for all U.S. men. Males are 4 times more likely to die from suicide than females.

Females:  Women report attempting suicide during their lifetime 3 times as often as men.

Youth:  Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people between the ages 15 to 24.

The Elderly:  Suicide rates increase with age and are very high
among those 65 years and older.  Most of these older adults that are suicidal are suffering from physical
illness, divorce, or widowed.

Are you feeling that life isn't worth living anymore?  Do you problems seem too big to handle?  Does it seem that no one cares?  Sometimes these feelings of despair or apathy cause people to think about suicide.

What does the Bible say? 

God's plan is for life, not death.  The Bible teaches that both physical and spiritual death is the result of our sin and disobedience to God, but eternal life is a gift to those who receive it.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God has a great plan for you life.  God has created us in His image. Genesis 1:26-27.  He created us for a purpose.  God has a specific plan in mind for everyone.   "For I know the plans I have for you, declaresthe Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 19:11

Our life belongs to God, it is never our place to take our own life or someone else’s.  God gave life to each of us to do His work on Earth.

I Corinthians 6:19-20...What?  Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God's.

Life has its ups and downs, and the down times are only temporary, even though it may not seem that way.  Often, the hard times in our lives, when things seem hopeless, are really opportunities to learn valuable lessons such as humility, dependence on God, the value of prayer, or to learn how to help others who are suffering.  In times when things seem the worst, we can be sure that God loves us more than ever.

Luke 12: 6-7..Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?  But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Put your faith in God for the solution to despair and hopelessness.

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you. Psalms 33: 20-22

Because of God's salvation through the death of Jesus on the Cross, we can have assurance of eternal life with God. Accept Christ's free gift of eternal life and salvation, if you haven't already. http://www.heargoodnews.com/gospel/

Christ promises that He will give us rest from our problems. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Most thoughts of suicide are caused by the disease clinical depression. Depression is a physical illness that can usually be treated with medication and or counseling to prevent reoccurrence.

Having thoughts of suicide?  Promise yourself not to take any action until you discuss it with someone, a minister, priest, school guidance counselor, physician, psychologist or psychiatrist.  Tell someone. 

If you, or someone you care about, is thinking about suicide, it is important to seek help right away.  The resources listed below can help you to help yourself or to help someone else.  Most of them provide free referrals, help and advice, or just somebody to talk to if you are feeling down.

United States: 
Suicide hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Depression screening hotline at 1-800-573-4433
National Crisis Line at 1-866-334-HELP (1-866-334-4357)
depressionhurts.com

Canada:
List of hotlines and other resources at http://suicidehotlines.com/canada.html

United Kingdom:
The Samaritans at http://www.samaritans.org.uk

Befrienders International..A list by country of suicide hotlines
and other resources at http://www.suicide-helplines.org

A list of international suicide and crisis hotlines at
http://suicidehotlines.com/international.html.

If you or someone you care about has been experiencing several of these symptoms for two weeks or more, please seek help quickly, it is very important.

Symptoms:

Depressed mood
Change in sleeping patterns (too much, too little, etc.)
Change in weight or appetite
Speaking or moving unusually fast or slow
Loss of interest in usual activities
Withdrawal from family and friends
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate
Thought of death, suicide, or wishing to be dead
Anxiety, agitation, or enraged behavior
Drug and or alcohol abuse
Neglect of physical health
Feelings of hopelessness or desperation

Philippians 4:7...And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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