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.
As followers of Christ, we believe that every life is precious and created with purpose. If you or someone you love is battling suicidal thoughts, please know that you’re not alone, and there are numerous resources available to support you and help you to improve.
Immediate Help
If you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, go to an emergency room or call emergency services (911 in the US) or a suicide prevention hotline immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) provides 24/7 free and confidential support. If you are suicidal and are not willing to talk on the phone, free and confidential online chat is available at www.988lifeline.org.
If you are assisting someone where danger of harm or suicide is imminent, do not leave the person alone, and remove anything they may use to harm themselves. If possible, transport the person to the nearest emergency room. If this is not possible, contact the emergency services listed above. It is always better to err on the side of safety for the person who is suicidal.
If the person is struggling with suicidal thoughts but not in imminent danger (meaning that they have not expressed an intent to harm themselves and do not have plans to take their own life), some of the following resources may be helpful.
Professional Christian Therapy
Many Christian therapists services offer faith-based therapy that integrates biblical principles with evidence-based psychological techniques. Organizations like Focus on the Family can provide referrals to qualified Christian counselors in your area, or you can look up a Christian Counselor and read their biography to see if they are a good fit for your needs.
Support Through the Local Church
Your local church can be a vital source of support. Many churches offer counseling services, support groups, and pastoral care. Reach out to your pastor or church leaders and let them know what is going on. Ask for their help and prayer.
Bible-Based Resources
If you are caring for someone with suicidal tendencies, programs like “Alive to Thrive: A Biblical Guide to Preventing Teen Suicide” offer a Christian perspective on suicide prevention, exploring the social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of suicidal thoughts.
Prayer and Being Immersed in God’s Word
One of the major causes of suicidal thoughts is not fully grasping God’s sovereignty, sufficiency, or his care for his people. Reading God’s word can help you understand more about who God is and provide you with eternal perspective and comfort during dark times. We encourage you to regularly pour out your feelings to God, and meditate on verses that speak of God’s love and his character, such as Psalm 34 and 2 Corinthians 3:4-5. If you feel like you are having difficult understanding or grasping the truth of Scripture, ask your pastor or a member of your church’s leadership to help you.
Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and wisdom. God has provided these resources as instruments of His care and love for you. You are deeply valued, and there is hope and help available. Reach out today – your life and your loved one’s life matters more than you know.
Chew on This:
What is one thing you can do to help build a support network this week?
