Why suicide is not the answer

Photo by Janosch Diggelmann on Unsplash

 

Introduction

 

Suicide.  It is the death of a person where he injured himself with the intent to die.  However sad this may sound, it happens.  Some people just don’t want to live anymore.  

 

Statistically speaking

 

The National Institute of Health reports that:

 

• Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the United States in 2018.
• Suicide was the second leading cause of death among Americans aged between 10-34 years.
• More than 48,000 Americans died in 2018 due to suicide.
• Suicide was responsible for two and a half times more deaths than homicide.

 

Why do some people feel that suicide is the only way out?

 

Depression and addiction

 

Suicide is mostly committed by individuals suffering from either addiction or depression.  (Although people who suffer from depression have been proven to make up the most significant percentile of individuals who commit suicide, addiction also plays a significant role.)

 

If you suffer from depression, the chances are good that you might turn to either alcohol, gambling, or drugs to suppress your feelings.  

 

Unfortunately, you are only causing a much bigger problem, trying to correct one wrong decision with another.  It forms a vicious cycle.  

 

Substance abuse clouds your judgment, making you more susceptible to consider and to attempt suicide.  It is said that people who abuse substances are six times more likely to commit suicide than others.

 

But why?

 

You may think you know it all – but you do not.

 

Remember, if you feel depressed or have an addiction to alcohol or drugs, your mind plays tricks on you.  It wants you to think that you are not good enough and that there is no way out.  

 

You feel stuck in a dark place, and you are not thinking rationally.   You might consider things that you’ve never thought of before.   Your thoughts are not based on reality.

 

Darkness vs. The Light

 

Many addicts feel as if they are stuck in a pit, consumed by darkness, without any hope of getting out.  Does this sound familiar?  

 

Here is some fantastic news:

 

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.’

John 1:5 NLT

 

‘Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.’

John 8:12 NLT

 

To dispel the darkness, you can do only one thing.  Let the light in!   

 

It has been said light is not the absence of darkness, but instead, that darkness is the absence of light.  The Darkness is not your master, but the Light.

 

How do I get some light into my life?

 

The answer is quite simple. Fill your life with Jesus (The Light), and the darkness will disappear.

 

• Read the Bible and study the word.  This is walking in the Light.
• Join a support group – whether in your community or at your local church.
• Speak to a friend, relative, doctor, priest, or professional.
• Ask a friend or relative to pray with and for you.
• Surround yourself with people who exude light and positive energy.
• Seek help from hotlines such as 911 or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

Financial problems, divorce, rejection, or the death of a loved one might be getting the better of you.  You might feel hopeless, sad, a sense of loss or failure.  But we are here to tell you, despite this, suicide is not the answer.

 

 

 

 

Why suicide is not the answer

 

You may feel that suicide is the only option and way in which you can protect your loved ones and relieve them of a burden.  This is not true.

 

No one can predict the future – things can and will change for the better. There is always, always hope.  

 

Put facts before your irrational thoughts.  Remember, at this moment, you are not thinking clearly.

You are not alone. Although you might think and feel it.

 

You are worthy, and you deserve a second chance.

 

Conclusion

 

Never quit on life!  You are tougher and stronger than you think. Loss by suicide is irreversible, and one’s done, it is done.  

 

You may feel as though it is the best way out, while, in fact, you are leaving people behind who loves you.  Do you really want to let them carry the pain and carry questions that no one will ever be able to answer?

 

You are worthy.

You are special.

You are loved.

 

‘Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.’

- Isaiah 43:4

 

Give life a chance.  There is always hope and always a solution.   

 

Website references

https://www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-and-suicide/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/real-healing/201402/suicide-one-addiction-s-hidden-risks

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2018/Suicide-is-Not-the-Answer

https://www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=13756&cn=9