Not all people who try and/or succeed in committing suicide are mentally ill. Sometimes life’s struggles are just too overwhelming. Many experience a profound sense of hopelessness or loss, leading them to believe their lives will never get better—that their pain will never end.
In my case, many years ago, I felt hopeless and saw no way to happiness. Thinking through possible methods of escape, however, I couldn’t come up with one that would ensure the safety of my daughter when I was gone.
Experts believe most suicidal individuals do not want to die. They just want to end the pain they are experiencing. When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. Read the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s social message on suicide.
If you are aware that a loved one is at risk for suicide,contact a suicide crisis center, a crisis hotline, a family physician, a psychiatrist or your pastor. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline provides access to trained counselors all hours, every day.
This message is excerpted froma Women of the ELCA blog by Barbara Miller. Read it here.
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