Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
In a recent report by the CDC it was noted that suicide rates over the last 15 years have increased 30% and that it is now the tenth leading cause of death for Americans. In 2016 nearly 46,000 people (10yrs and older) took their own lives (that’s 130 people every day). Worldwide there are 800,000 reported suicides every year. Suicide is not a single victim tragedy; it touches everyone who knows the person and leaves lasting distress. Depression, mental illness, serious illnesses, loss of relationships or family, job and money problems, legal or housing stresses often contribute to risk for suicide. But an important thing to consider is that people who’ve survived suicide attempts have reported wanting not so much to die as to stop living, a strange dichotomy but a valid one nevertheless. This speaks of lives of loneliness and despair; of feeling that they don’t belong in the world and want it to just stop and go away. They aren’t seeking death; they are seeking peace. We need to pray for these folks. Pray that they might know that God cares and will help them. Pray that those around them see the pain and try to help. Pray that they are moved to choose a different path.
It is also important that we as individuals keep our eyes and ears open to the people around us. There could be someone in your circle of family, friends and acquaintances contemplating death right now. That being said here is a list of warning signs to be aware of:
Talking about wanting to die. • Looking for a way to kill oneself • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a burden to others • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly• Sleeping too little or too much• Withdrawing or feeling isolated• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge• Displaying extreme mood swings or sudden changes in behavior like withdrawing from others, and unexpected gift giving or expressions of feelings (which may be their way of saying goodbye).
If you do come to believe that someone is at risk here are the recommended actions:
Do not leave the person alone • Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt • Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) • Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional (I would add here ‘talk to them, let them know someone cares, that things can get better.)
That more and more people are needlessly dying by their own hands speaks of more than mental illness (less than half of all suicides can be attribute to mental disease), it tells us that more and more people lack the belief that anyone cares. They have come to believe that suicide is the only choice they have. We can change that; with prayer, with love, with God, and with interaction we can stop the inevitable spiral down.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I call upon your name today and ask that you protect your children against suicidal thoughts and actions. I ask that you help us renew their minds with your word, and your love. God let all your children see themselves as you see them. Not by the world’s standards, but by your standards. God, I beg you to
please tell anyone struggling with self-harming thoughts or desires how much they mean to you. Let each person know that they are precious to you, and that you have a plan for them in this life which does not include suicide. Lead others to reach out to them with your love and mercy. In Jesus name, Amen
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