Articles
Suicide
September is suicide awareness month. There are 13 suicides everyday in the U.S. As Christians we must learn what God says about suicide. We must learn how to prevent it in our lives and also how to help those who are struggling with the problem of suicide. Today’s lesson will hopefully help you to learn about this tragic subject.
Those who are left behind after a suicide are going to need help. That’s where the Christian can definitely be of help to them. This morning we will look at a few things that we can do to begin to help mend the tears and heartache that will be there.
Here are a few suggestions to help those who must continue to live on after they have been affected by a suicide.
- Know you can survive. You may not think so, but you can.
- Struggle with “why” it happened until you no longer need to know “why” or until you are satisfied with partial answers.
- Know you may feel overwhelmed by the intensity of your feelings but all your feelings are normal.
- Anger, guilt, confusion, forgetfulness are common responses. You are not crazy; you are in mourning.
- Be aware you may feel appropriate anger at the person, at the world, at God, at yourself. It’s okay to express it.
- You may feel guilty for what you think you did or did not do. Guilt can turn into regret, through forgiveness.
- Having suicidal thoughts is common. It does not mean that you will act on those thoughts.
- Remember to take one moment or one day at a time.
- Find a good listener with whom to share. Call someone if you need to talk.
- Don’t be afraid to cry. Tears are healing.
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