Skip to Main Content
Women of the ELCA
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Contact
  • Ministry & Action
    • Discipleship
    • Justice
      • Human Trafficking
      • Racial Justice Advocacy
      • Racial Justice Advocacy Network resources
      • Domestic Violence
    • Membership
    • Stewardship
      • Thankofferings
      • Faithful Friends
      • Katie’s Fund
      • Gift Planning
    • Special Initiatives
      • Raising Up Healthy Women & Girls
      • Dear Friend in Christ
    • Scholarships
      • Lutheran laywomen
      • Lutheran Ordained Ministry
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Events
  • About
    • History
    • Executive Board
    • Staff
    • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Daily Grace
  • Contact
« Back to WELCA Blog

How to live when we want to die
by Guest blogger

9.10.2018
9 Comments
|
Post

by Barbara Miller

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and this week, Sept. 9-15, is National Suicide Prevention Week.

No, 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. I had graduated from college, was married, but living far from my native Ohio and everything and everyone familiar. I felt trapped and alone, but was thrilled to be the new mother of a beautiful baby.  So I couldn’t understand why I was planning what I was planning. 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.

In the end I chose to live because of the small life God had entrusted to me. I eventually called my obstetrician who referred me to a psychiatrist. Much later, my mother diagnosed “baby blues” (postpartum depression). The second time I experienced similar feelings was after the birth of my son 10 years later. But this time I had a compassionate pastor to call.

Experts believe most suicidal individuals do not want to die. They just want to end the pain they are experiencing.

Click To Tweet

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

  • Nearly 45,000 Americans die from suicide each year, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • On average, there are 123 suicides a day.
  • Firearms counted for 51 percent of all suicides in 2016.
  • White males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2016.
  • The rate of suicide is highest in middle age, white men in particular.
  • In 2016, the highest suicide rate (19.72) was among adults between 45 and 54 years of age.
  • The second highest rate (18.98) occurred in those 85 years or older.
  • Younger groups have had consistently lower suicide rates than middle-aged and older adults. In 2016, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 13.15.

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.

Barbara Miller served on the churchwide executive board from 2014-2016. She lives in Naples, Fla. She is chair of the Florida-Bahamas Synod hunger committee and serves on the synod’s global mission committee.This updated blog originally ran in September 2015.

Questions for consideration

1. What does God’s word tell us to do in crises?
2. What is your congregation’s attitude toward suicide? What is yours?
3. Have you recognized suicidal tendencies in others close to you?
4. What can and will you do to address their needs?
5. Have you ever felt depressed? Where have you turned?

Share
Comments (9)
  • Monica Lor says:
    3/31/2019

    I am a child.My mom treats me like crap and I want my life to end. I can’t talk to my dad about this because he doesn’t like hearing me talk about death. I try to die everyday but it doesn’t work.The only reason I’m still alive is because of my sister.If she dies I die.There is no point in life without her. I don’t want her to consider suicide if I die because I know she will be horrified and depressed if she figures out that I died.I am alone I am sad. I want to die. I am depressed. And I won’t call a suicide center. I’m to young.I’m to young to die yet I want to.

    Reply
    • Terri Lackey says:
      3/31/2019

      Monica, the suicide crises center is trained to help you. We are not. Please call them or your pastor or a friend.

      The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline provides access to trained counselors all hours, every day.

      Reply
  • lindrio esther says:
    1/14/2019

    I am actually think of committing sucided right now. I lost my parents. No relatIves. My child was taken away. I can’t even a Ford a mere meal. Am all alone. What do I live for.. I have no hope.

    Reply
    • Terri Lackey says:
      1/14/2019

      Hi Lindrio, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline provides access to trained counselors all hours, every day. Do it now.

      Reply
  • Benerbie says:
    12/30/2018

    I dont think the title really fits the article more like
    “Statistics and my story”

    This doesnt really show how to live and helpful tips other than “the number” and questions that are unrelated to the title once agian

    misleading but nice article

    Reply
  • Angelica says:
    11/6/2018

    I some times what to do that because I am treated differently by my parents

    Reply
  • Georgie says:
    10/30/2018

    I really want to die. I am sad about it. My husband wants to divorce me. I will be a 3 time looser. Nothing to live for.

    Reply
    • Terri Lackey says:
      11/2/2018

      Hi Georgi, I hope you are feeling better. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The hotline provides access to trained counselors all hours, every day.

      Reply
  • Mary Ann Nelson says:
    9/10/2018

    Thank you. When my father died by suicide I had no knowledge on suicide. I learned quickly. In the late 80s when it occurred my mother did not want anyone to know. But I spoke and taught and asked when someone was acting different. A couple years ago my brother, given permission by my father, died by suicide. His wife didn’t realize what was happening. Everyone needs this knowledge.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Categories

  • Post (1,257)
  • News (295)
    • Gathering 2021 (9)
    • Triennial Convention 2021 (7)
  • Devotions (76)
  • 2122 (3)
  • Uncategorized (2)
Women of the ELCA
13h
Women of the ELCA
@WomenoftheELCA

As we continue celebrating the lives and stories of bold African Descent women this month, today’s blogger writes about Sojourner Truth and reminds us to continue to the work she began. womenoftheelca.org/blog/post/… #BlackHistoryMonth #mondaymotivation #livingherstory pic.twitter.com/R7LNZ5dsjS

Expand reply reply retweet retweet favorite favorite
Back to home

8765 W. Higgins Rd.

Chicago IL 60631

800-638-3522

[email protected]

Stay In Touch

Sign up for the WELCA Newsletter

Explore WELCA
  • Ministry & Action
  • Daily Grace
  • Resource Library
  • Events
  • Blog
  • News
  • About WELCA
  • Tools For Leaders
  • Publications
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Photos
Explore Publications

Bold Cafe

A Lutheran perspective for women of Christian faith or any woman who is interested in how faith relates to the issues facing women today.

Gather Magazine

A mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith.

Cafe Podcast

Subscribe to our podcast:

Click to subscribe

© Copyright 2023 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
© Copyright 2023 Women of the ELCA. All Rights Reserved.