Suicide
"With God in your life, you are never truly alone."
- Dr. Ron Vanderbeck
A person can become so overwhelmed with suffering, both emotional and physical; they may believe ending their life is the only way to stop the pain. They may also reach a boiling point where they can’t take it anymore after losing faith in themselves, others and even God.
In the video, Dr. Ron Vanderbeck shares the story of a young man who found hope in God after contemplating suicide. No matter what you are struggling with, know that it is possible to take something negative in your life and turn it around.
Points to consider, if you know someone at risk for self-harm:
1. Recognize that adults, teenagers, and even children harm themselves. If someone talks about a wish to die, it is essential to take them seriously and not dismiss them.
2. Thoughts of suicide often occur in people suffering from depression. They often lose hope that things will get better. It is important to take time and talk to them with compassion and understanding. People want to be understood and not judged or shamed.
3. Teenage years are a tough time. The loss of a boyfriend or girlfriend, bullying at school and abusive or dysfunctional family relationships can place teenagers at risk of self-harm. For parents, it is important to be actively involved in the teen’s life
4. If you need help, reach out to a Mental health professional, pastor or physician.
5. Contact the National Suicide Hotline for Help at 1-800-273-8255 or suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
6. If you are struggling with sadness and feeling alone, meditate on the following scriptures:
Words to Live By:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” Psalm 34:18-19 (ESV).
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles” Psalm 34:17 (ESV).
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV).
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” Psalm 42:11 (NIV).
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (NKJV).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).
Grace Notes by Philip Yancey
“In addition, a relationship with God does not switch on or off depending on my behavior. God does not send me to a vacant room down the hall when I disobey. Quite the opposite. The times when I feel most estranged from God can bring on a sense of desperation, which presents a new starting point for grace” (162).
Recommended Resources:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Institute of Mental Health
