Turn to the Bible when thoughts of suicide strike
Editor,
Suicide is a huge problem throughout the world. Over 800,000 die from suicide each year. Lives lost through suicide exceed the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined. For each individual who died by suicide, there were 10 others who attempted suicide.
Reasons and risk factors for committing suicide include depression, feelings of hopelessness, a crisis, bullying, frustration, drugs, sexual abuse, distress, irritability, divorce, and failing to cope with problems.
The results of suicide are irrecoverable lives and the hurt and devastation of those left behind.
For those who lost loves ones, there is the need to forgive, to accept that it is going to be difficult, and to maintain contact with others.
Because of the reality of youths committing suicide, parents need to be alert, keep lines of communication open, and show concern, interest, and love for your children.
For those contemplating suicide, please consider the remainder of this letter. There are people who want to help … family members, friends, groups that are dedicated to preventing suicide. Don’t attempt to commit suicide. Your judgment is clouded by pain. Ending your life is not the solution for ending your pain. Make a commitment not to end your life. Many people who seriously contemplated suicide but didn’t go through with it are glad they are alive today.
In closing, I would like to mention a thought for us all. God’s commandment of “thou shalt not kill” would surely include the taking of your own life. The psalmist, in writing Psalm 42, said in verse 3 “my tears have been my meat day and night.” In verse 5 he says “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Read the Bible. Jesus Christ can give true and everlasting hope. He said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Joseph Benedetti
San Marcos
