Author’s Note: If you or someone you know are in crisis and need immediate support, call 1-800-273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, get yourself to a hospital if you can, or call 911.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It is something that is close to my heart since I have personally struggled with thoughts of suicide, as well as had many friends try to go through with ending their lives.
Suicide is at an all-time high and should not be ignored. Whether you know someone who has struggled with thoughts or actions related to suicide or not, it is important to remember these five things for National Suicide Prevention Month.
1. It’s Not about Attention
One thing to remember for National Suicide Prevention Month is that suicide is not about attention. Many people believe the lie that those who try to attempt suicide are trying to get attention.
If you are someone who has been taught this false belief, it is time to correct this wrong belief. Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts or have tried to commit suicide in the past are not trying to seek attention.
When a person resorts to suicide, it is because they have hit rock bottom. They see no purpose in life anymore and desire not to live anymore. Unless you have been there, it is hard to understand the pain and hurt that causes you to want to take your own life.
Those who think about suicide or try to attempt suicide need help, support, and to know they are loved. Don’t shame someone if they have shared suicidal thoughts or actions with you because it will only hurt them in the long run. Choose to be compassionate, and caring, and show Jesus’ love to them.
2. It Is Not Selfish
A second thing to remember for National Suicide Prevention Month is that those who struggle with suicide are not selfish. There are many people who have been taught this lie for years. Those who struggle with suicidal ideation or actions are not selfish.
They are not trying to “get their way,” nor are they trying to manipulate others. People who struggle with suicide are often very depressed and see no way out. It is a very dark place to be in, and it can feel as though things will never get better.
For a few years, I struggled with thoughts of suicide. Although I never acted on these thoughts, the thoughts alone were enough to suffocate anyone.
Since I struggle with co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and anorexia, it is not uncommon for me to also struggle with thoughts of suicide.
If you have a friend or another loved one who has a mental health condition, they could be at risk for also struggling with thoughts of suicide.
If they talk to you about their thoughts or feelings surrounding suicide, don’t treat it as a taboo subject. Allow them to express their feelings and just listen. You don’t have to know what to say, but you can be there for them.
Knowing that someone is there who genuinely cares can make all the difference for the person who is struggling.
Those who struggle with thoughts of suicide often think the world would be better off without them. Remind them of how much you need them and how many plans God has for their future.
3. It Can Affect Anyone
A third thing to remember for National Suicide Prevention Month is that suicide can affect anyone. There are stereotypes surrounding those who struggle with suicide, but they are not correct. Anyone can struggle with thoughts of suicide or actions related to suicide.
Males, females, people of any skin color, and people of any age group can struggle with suicide. Even if someone might seem happy all the time, it could be they are also struggling with thoughts of suicide. Never assume someone is okay, even if they never say they are struggling.
Dealing with suicide is never easy because it is a complex issue. It doesn’t target one specific type of person or a certain age bracket. This means all people could struggle with suicidal ideation at some point.
Even though most people don’t struggle with these thoughts, they do not discriminate. Moreover, just because a person doesn’t have suicidal thoughts at the present time doesn’t mean that they won’t develop in the future. I say this not to frighten you, but rather to make you aware.
Anyone can struggle with suicidal ideation or actions. This is why we need to spread more awareness surrounding suicide and not treat it as a taboo subject. Thoughts of suicide are more common than you may think.
A good way to prevent suicides is to remove the taboos surrounding the subject and allow people to express their feelings freely. As believers, we should want to help all people, including those who struggle with thoughts of suicide.
As someone who has been there, it is important to have people around in order to help you with these thoughts and impulses.
4. Those Who Struggle with Suicide Are Not ‘Lost Causes’
A fourth thing to remember for National Suicide Prevention Month is that those who struggle with suicide are not lost causes. Those who struggle with suicide should not be seen as a bother or as a burden.
They are people also created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Their lives are beautiful, important, and unique. We should never have to lose someone to suicide.
It is a tragedy, yet people keep ignoring this epidemic. Don’t treat those who struggle with suicide as lost causes because they are not.
Often, those who struggle with suicidal ideations or attempts are very emphatic, caring, and in tune with their emotions. This gives them the capacity to be some of the most compassionate people to walk the earth.
Treat them with kindness and never shrug them off as lost causes. God has a wonderful plan for their future, and by helping them in their struggles, you are showing the Lord’s love for them not to mention the truth that you should want to help others because you love them.
There is never a good reason to lose someone to suicide, and through prevention, we can stop many of these hurt individuals from taking their own lives.
5. It Will Get Better
A fifth thing to remember for National Suicide Prevention Month is that things will get better. If you are someone who struggles with thoughts of suicide or has made an attempt in the past, know things will get better.
With proper help and proper support, you will be able to experience healing. I know it is hard, but God has a very special purpose for your life.
Your days won’t always be filled with self-hate, intrusive thoughts, and deep darkness. There will be days of love, support, and sunshine. Don’t give up now because there are beautiful days ahead.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out for support. Talk to someone you trust or someone you know who will be there for you. Don’t forget to talk with God about these feelings too, and be genuine with Him.
No feelings or thoughts will ever push Him away. He loves you, and He desires to fill your heart with His love, peace, and compassion. You are never alone, even when you feel alone, because God is always with you.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional, such as your primary care doctor, a therapist, and a psychiatrist. Any of these individuals will be able to help you on your healing journey.
Don’t give up. Things are hard now, but they will get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel — there just might be a healing journey to get there.
Author’s Note: If you or someone you know are in crisis and need immediate support, call 1-800-273-8255, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, get yourself to a hospital if you can, or call 911.
For further reading:
How Should Christians Respond to Suicide?
If a Christian Dies by Suicide, Will They Be in Heaven?
What Does the Bible Say about Suicide?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Bulgnn
Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.