Suicidal Thoughts
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More About Suicidal Thoughts
What are Suicidal Throughts?
Suicidal thoughts are not just about wanting to end your life. They can also refer to thinking
of methods of suicide or feeling people would be better off without you. Many people will
think about suicide at some point in their lives. Sometimes a person may feel like their only
way to escape the pain they are in is by ending their life. We want to assure you even in
your darkest of days there is still hope! You CAN get through this.
Symptoms
– Preoccupation with death
- Talking about suicide
- No hope for the future
- Self loathing, or feeling overwhelmed, useless or desperate
- Getting affairs in order, e.g. making a will or giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye unexpectedly
- Withdrawal from other people
- Sudden sense of calm after a period of deep depression
Our
Top Tips
- If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are people who want to help you. The Samaritans have a 24/7 helpline, 116 123, where they will offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you. They won't judge you or tell you what to do, they'll listen to you. There are also text services available, you can text SHOUT to 85258
- Talk to someone you trust: there is no right or wrong way to talk about suicide, starting to conversation is what’s important.
- Try not to think about the future, just focus on getting through today. Take it one
step at a time
- Be around other people, especially people you love and who love you
- Stay with a friend or family member, somewhere where you feel safe
- Stay away from drugs and alcohol
- Make a safety plan: Having a safety plan can act like a seatbelt in a car, it’s good to have one before you need it. A safety pan will include personalized advice on things like making your situation safer, things to lift your mood or distract you, people who can support you and emergency professional support.
- If someone has attempted suicide, call an ambulance and stay with them until it arrives
- Ask them directly: Speaking openly about suicide can make it easier for people to open up and seek help.
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Listen to them: Let them talk openly about their issues, thoughts and feelings. Don’t judge, just listen. Asking open-ended questions can help them to reflect and talk.
- Help them to make a safety plan: Look at the blueprint together and see what steps they need to take
- Offer practical support: If they’re struggling with day-to-day tasks, see if there’s anything you can do to ease the burden
- Let them know that you’re there for them and that you care about them: Suicidal thoughts can be incredibly isolating, and often the mind can tell lies such as “no one will miss you if you die” or “the world would be better without you”. Help them to break through this cycle of thoughts with the truth; they are loved, they are cared for, they have a purpose.
How You Can Help Others
What Does The Bible Say?
Biblical take – There are a quite a few bible characters who exhibit both suicidal
thoughts and who commit suicide for a variety of reasons. However, it is considered an offense to God to take a life, which includes your own life, and it is never encouraged or supported in the bible. The word of God encourages hope and healing for those struggling with suicidal tendencies and encourages us to look after ourselves when everything seems too much. When Elijah was struggling with suicidal thoughts, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and encouraged him to eat and drink “for the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7). When Moses cried to the Lord saying his burden was too heavy, the Lord responded with mercy and took away some of his burden (Numbers 11:14-15). Psalm 34:17-18 says “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This passage emphasizes God’s love and compassion for his people and his commitment to helping us through our dark times. No matter how dark the situation, no matter how hurt the heart, the Lord is always nearby to support, uplift, and love you. Call out to the Lord and ask for
Him to draw closer to you.
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Prayer: Lord, the darkness is blinding and I can’t see a way out. I ask you to guide me, to lift off the heaviness and to show me the light. Fill me with your love and your peace that surpasses all understanding. Protect me from myself and from the thoughts that plague my mind. Remind me that I am your child, I have value, and I have a purpose. Nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amen.