On Suicide

"O, that this too too solid flesh would melt
Thaw and resolve itself into a dew!
Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd
His canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God!
How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable,
Seem to me all the uses of this world!
Fie on’t! ah fie! tis an unweeded garden
That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature
Possess it merely. That it should come to this!"
- (William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark)

The very word "suicide" seems to have a frightening tone of finality, of ending. It is charged with lack of hope, with despair and tragedy, it is a word everyone would like to avoid. Perhaps most of us think that only people who have mental problems would ever think of committing suicide. But is it so? How does such a thought enter a human mind? And how come animals or plants never commit suicide? That might seem a funny thought, but still, how come humans assume the responsibility of taking their own lives?

Although it is considered to be one of the most optimistic, if not the most optimistic religion, Christians too can get depressive and have suicidal thoughts.

If you find yourself in a situation that you cannot change, you must know God can miraculously intervene at any time. So no matter how hard it may seem, never cease to ask for God’s help. You have to believe that He will answer to your prayers in a way that is for your very best. This may also include the possibility for God to give you all the power and peace you need to cope with any situation in life.

The greatest answers to prayers come in the form of joy and peace in the middle of troublesome circumstances. You must believe that He will help you through the storm. Read these scriptures, for instance.
- Psalm 23; Psalm 28:7; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 43:2.

Ask the Holy Father to help you live through the power of His Holy Spirit. The Bible abounds with God’s promises to guide, heal, strengthen and love the broken hearted. You should be willing to accept God’s love for you without relying on your own feelings of depression and unworthiness. You may read the following scriptures and regard them as God’s special message for you
- Lamentations 3:22-23; Isaiah 40:31m 41:10; John 3: 16; Romans 5:8.

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.

Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.

For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you."
- Isaiah 41:10-13

At the same time, you should be ready to realize any sin that may be blocking your open communication with the Heavenly Father. Ask God to search your heart and show you any problem in it. Then confess your sins, repent and ask God to forgive you. In order to better understand how to deal with sin, you may read the following verses: Galatians
- 5:16-25; Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9.

You may also try and seek professional help. This help may come under the form of a Christian counselor, for example, who is also qualified in this field. This is one of the best methods to fight depression and suicidal thoughts. If you don’t personally know any counselor, you may look for one in the phonebook. You can also ask for references. A good counselor is likely to help you get a whole new perspective on your troubles. You may also do some medical tests, since depression sometimes may announce some health problems. You can also look for a support group in your own church. By interacting with other people who have similar situations to yours, you won’t be feeling so isolated and lonesome. And next time you feel down, force yourself to do something, because passivity is no good, it can only make things worse.

There certainly are some more things you can try to get rid of depression. You may call a friend and share your feelings with him/her. You can also go for a walk. Exercise can make your blood and oxygen circulate faster, which make you feel invigorated. The brain can produce anti-depressant chemical substances.

You may try and help another person. When you focus on other people’s needs, your own needs might seem less important and troubling.

Another good idea is listening to your favorite music, or at least happy, joyful one, and even sing along with the tape or CD.