You’re likely reading this blog because you or someone you know has considered thoughts of suicide or you’re curious about why I’d write on this topic. Actually, in NO WAY am I an expert on this subject. However, I have done some research on it, as our ministry has faced this subject with moms who’ve found life almost more than they could handle. This I know. We have an enemy who can plant this thought in anyone’s mind when life spins out of control.
If I were to ask you what time of year you thought had the highest suicide rates, which month would you select? Most of us would say the holidays. But research shows it’s highest in early spring.
It’s true. Everyone feels down at times. Kids, finances, relationships, laundry, demands, health decline, and sudden loss, such as the death of a child or a spouse, can easily overwhelm us. I’m sure that you’d agree that life is difficult, unpredictable, and distressing at times. So it’s normal to feel discouraged, anxious, angry, helpless, and terribly depressed during seasons of our lives. Yet, thoughts about suicide are not a normal response to these stresses, but they are an important signal. Just as my car light blinks red if something is malfunctioning under the hood, suicidal thoughts are indicators that demand “lifting the hood” and getting help with what lies beneath.
So what can you do if you are having suicidal thoughts? First of all, know this. There is help. There is hope. Don’t try to go it alone. It’s important to talk to a professional who can help: a pastor, counselor, therapist, or doctor. Talk to others whom you trust that can help and give you support. And avoid what’s obvious: excessive drinking or harming yourself in any way.
If it’s a friend who is facing this issue, listen closely without judgment, acknowledge their pain, and urge them to get professional help by offering to go with them. If the person is in danger, DON’T leave them alone. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Or, if you think you can do so safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room yourself. The few times I’ve been involved with others who are seriously considering suicide or have been “in the act of” taking their own life, I’ve seen how my prayers for God to grant me emergency wisdom at that moment have literally saved their lives.
Friend, if this blog hits rather “close at home”… remember: YOU MATTER! Suicide is a wrong permanent solution to a temporary problem, and at Arise Ministries we can point you in the right direction.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Psalm 34:17-20 – When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline-https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Mental Health America-www.mentalhealthamerica.net
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.