One Christian Dad

Musings about christian things...

World Suicide Prevention Day

by ·

worldsuicidepreventionday2013Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Many of us have been affected by someone taking their own life.  Even Christians are affected by it.

Did you know that today in Canada…

  • 11 people will end their lives by suicide.
  • 210 others will attempt to end their lives.
  • 77-110 people will become newly bereaved by suicide.

According to the CDC…

  • Depression is the key indicator in two thirds of all suicides
  • Other key indicators are childhood abuse and confusion over sexuality.

As I write this, a story pops up on my news feed about a pastor and seminary professor who was revealed to be on the adultery website, Ashley Madison.  His wife found his body. In his anguish, he took his own life. He had a history of depression and addiction.

What should I do if I’m worried someone I know is going to commit suicide?

Dr Kay Bruce, in the article, 8 Things you need to know about suicide prevention., says, “Ask. An irony in our culture is that a majority of movies and many television shows have references to suicide, some even include graphic scenes. But to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide seems too personal and intense. Yet, think about it. If you were considering ending your own life, wouldn’t you want to talk with someone about that decision?

One of the best ways to prevent suicide is by making it safe for a person in despair to talk about their feelings and to connect them with helpful resources. Ask the question, “Are you hurting so much that you are thinking about suicide?” It’s a simple question, but it can make a huge difference.”

Speak up.

Reach out.

Psalm 143: A Psalm of David.

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
    give ear to my pleas for mercy!
    In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness!
2 Enter not into judgment with your servant,
    for no one living is righteous before you.

3 For the enemy has pursued my soul;
    he has crushed my life to the ground;
    he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
4 Therefore my spirit faints within me;
    my heart within me is appalled.

5 I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
6 I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O Lord!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
    I have fled to you for refuge.[a]
10 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!

11 For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
    In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
12 And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
    and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
    for I am your servant.

You may also like...