Spring is the season when—contrary to what one might think—more suicides occur. As many people respond to the longer days and warmer weather, those who are seriously depressed may feel more hopeless and left out. What can you do to relieve such suffering?
Ask God’s guidance and listen to God’s nudging that you are God’s hands and voice for helping in the world. Educate yourself. If you Google “suicide warning signs,” you will find information on how to respond.
If you are depressed, seek help. Depression is not a shameful condition to be kept hidden. Medications are available. Friends and relatives really care for you, even if you don’t feel worthy of their care. Your pastor can refer you to resources and services.
As Women of the ELCA, our mission is to act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. We affirm our gifts to support one another and to promote healing and wholeness. We ask God to help us each act boldly to confront depression and suicide.
This message is an excerpt from “What can you do to relieve suffering,” a Women of the ELCA blog by Phyllis Rude. Today we remember Jiri Tranovsky, hymnwriter, who died in 1637. The ELCA has a Social Message on Suicide Prevention, available here. If you’re feeling despair, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
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