According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention, suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death amongst those aged between 10-14. Suicide is a growing epidemic, but what can we do to tackle it?
Christians are far from immune to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Even Elijah the prophet had thoughts of wanting to die; “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). It has been well-cited that spirituality can have a positive effect on an individual’s mental and even physical health. One of the most important factors is the sense of community that religion can provide. In a Canadian survey of high school students, attending more religious services was protective against suicidal ideation. It is important to point out that the motives and circumstances that lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors are complex. Moreover, direct causality is not definite. However, these truths are also echoed biblically.
Biblical encouragement for challenging times
At the beginning of time, when God created Adam, He acknowledged ‘It is not good for man to be alone.’ The Bible says, ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity’ (Proverbs 17:17). In times of struggle and adversity, the social support of a church can be a breath of air for weary people. The Bible emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the importance of meeting together. The truth is woven throughout the text that we need each other.
There can be a temptation for those who are depressed or going through a difficult time to isolate and withdraw. The Bible affirms, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up’ (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10). As a community, it is our calling to look out for those that are struggling, to provide a hand to pull them out of the darkness into the light. As believers, it is our calling to keep ourselves routed and grounded in community. No one is immune from the struggle of depression. We need each other.
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Be sure to check out our other blog posts to learn more about living a mentally healthy life as a Christian.
