Simple Is Better – When a Person Ends Things

Romans 8:38-39: I have become absolutely convinced that neither death nor life, neither messenger of Heaven nor monarch of earth, neither what happens today nor what may happen tomorrow, neither a power from on high nor a power from below, nor anything else in God’s whole world has any power to separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Gratitude Day 961

This blog should have been at the beginning of the month. But that didn’t happen. In a better late than never attitude, it is important to offer this topic as one that should make the cut.  

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. A month for us to reflect about how suicide happens more often than we realize. About a year ago, I thought about how many people I knew directly who died by suicide. I was shocked. Until I actually made a list, I failed to realize just how many people I have known who have struggled with this. A man I attended seminary with. A dear friend’s brother. A  local dairy farmer. An only son and child of a couple. A college roommate’s brother. Several more. A list longer than I anticipated.

Death by suicide is a difficult topic to enter into. Death is hard enough. Suicide? Worse. I know there should be no pecking order for the worse kind of grief but death by suicide is certainly one that would be in the running.

Suicide is tricky because survivors wonder what they missed. What could they have done to prevent an attempt and/or death. Sometimes, there is very little we could have done. Other times, people do try and things still happen. Why? Because mental health is a disease. It’s something that people can’t just pull their bootstraps up and be “fixed.” Everyone who has a mental health situation is unique. No two people are exactly the same. This is what makes treating mental health so challenging. Every’s story is unique and different. What people will respond to is not universal.

If you or someone you loved has experienced mental health challenges, I offer to hold you in prayer. One challenge of mental health is that people often feel like there is very little they can do. For those of us who are doers, this is a hard place to be. Sometimes, the most important thing we can do is simply be present and hold someone’s hand. Period. I realize this seems like nothing. For the person whose hand is being held? You might be surprised.

If you or someone is struggling with suicide thoughts and mental health, get some help NOW. Often, there are more resources available than we realize. Seek them out. Embrace them. You do not have to go through this alone.

Help is available. Here are some options:

If someone needs help with an abuse relationship, call 800-99-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

For support for substance abuse and mental health, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-HELP (4357.)

Use an online treatment locator by texting your zip code to 43548.

The American Addiction Center’s number is 405-251-7328.

In an emergency, call 911.

With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.

Often, these people simply need to know they are loved. That they ARE important to someone else and not a burden. That their life makes a difference. Romans 8 is very clear on this point: nothing we do can separate us from God. Nothing.

If you really think about the people you might know who have contemplated or died from suicide, you might be surprised how many are on your list. Let’s honor Suicide Prevention Month so no more people you and I know have these types of thoughts.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – You are aware of everyone who struggles with mental health and emotional issues. We convince ourselves that either it’s not a big deal or we can force/work ourselves though. May we discover a presence of compassion towards ourselves and others. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook and Instagram (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith.)

If you have enjoyed this blog, please pass it along to someone else who will also enjoy it.

In an emergency, call 911.