Disclaimer: If you or someone you love is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately. The following is general advice and is not a substitute for professional help or medical advice.
In our last blog post, we looked at what to do if you are in imminent danger of self-harm, and some steps you can take to find healing, which include seeking professional help, reaching out, and remembering God’s love for you. This post will look at a couple more ideas to help you in the battle.
Focus on God’s Word and Prayer
What often makes the darkness inside you is giving it your focus and attention. Instead, immerse yourself in Scripture, particularly passages that speak of God’s love, care, and plans for your life. Meditate on verses like Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 34:18.
Pour out your heart to God in raw prayer. Give your pain, anger, and doubts to God. The Psalms provide beautiful examples of raw, honest prayers in deep distress. If you don’t know what to say, consider praying the words of a Psalm, such as Psalm 31.
If you are having trouble reaching the truth or feel too burdened to engage with the Bible, ask a believing family member, friend, or pastor to read Scripture with you and pray with you. Other people can often help us and lift us when we feel too weak or burdened to do things ourselves.
Another option is to start with doing things that are passive. For example, you may want to listen to Scripture, watch some Christian comedians who are really funny and solidly Biblically based, or watch a movie that reminds you of the Gospel (for me, that is the Lord of the Rings).
Create a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a prioritized list of steps for how you can deal with suicidal thoughts and who to contact when you begin having suicidal thoughts. Creating a safety plan starts with understanding your most common triggers for suicidal thoughts, coping strategies you can use to distract yourself, and if coping strategies are not working, friends, family members, and professionals (your therapist, psychiatrist, primary care doctor, and local hospital) you can reach out to for immediate help. It may also be very helpful to let your contacts know that you are going to be adding them to your safety plan. You can create an online safety plan here.
Avoid Isolation
While you may feel like withdrawing, isolation often worsens suicidal thoughts. Stay connected with supportive people and engage in activities that have brought you joy in the past. Even doing activities in public, like going to your local shopping center or library, can help you be less isolated.
One of the best places you can go to for community and support is your local Bible-believing, Gospel-preaching church. Reach out to your church leaders or small group. The body of Christ is meant to support one another, especially in times of deep struggle. Allow others to bear your burden with you (Galatians 6:2).
Remember, suicidal thoughts are treatable. You may have tried different things that have not worked, you may feel like you are out of options, and it is during times like these when we have to return to how God designed us. We were meant to focus on Him, not us (Hebrews 12:1-2). When we spend too much time focused on ourselves, we get dark. All of us have parts we can’t stand. However, we can become comfortable in our own skin and know that our true Macro and Micro Identity is amazing because it is based on what Christ has done for us.
You are loved, valued, and needed in this world. Don’t give up – reach out for help today.
Return to the first blog post in the series here.
Chew On This:
What would help you to focus way more on who God is, what He’s done, and what He will do than focusing in on you?
