September is Suicide Prevention Month. Of course, we need to be aware all year round of those who may be struggling. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-injury, please get help now. In the United States, call 988 or go to 988lifeline.org. Additional links to other helplines are included at the end of this article.

When we were serving a mission at BYU-Hawaii and while serving as the Area Mental Health Advisor in the Africa West Area, I talked to many students and missionaries who had thoughts of suicide. Most of them did not have any intent to harm themselves, but they wondered what it would be like if their life “accidentally” ended now. Would they be free of pain, distress, sorrow, grief, and regret? At that moment, they felt very alone, helpless and hopeless.

We are never alone! And there is always help! And there is always hope for every distress through the healing power of the atonement of Jesus Christ!

The adversary attacks us with negative thoughts or persuasive thoughts that tempt us to misuse, abuse, harm or destroy our bodies. A body is one thing that we have and he does not. He wants us to misuse it so we feel miserable like he is. Most sins relate to how we use the precious gift of our bodies. We have access to fight against those temptations by using prayer, spiritual gifts, the priesthood, the power we receive in our temple endowment, and many people who are willing to help. Above all, we have the love of our Savior “who will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that we will be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:1) That escape may include help from mental health professionals and medication. In every way, the Lord and so many others are there to help! 

Below is a summary of talks and videos by survivors, by family members, and by Church leaders that address suicide. They can all be found on the church website at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/life-help/suicide?lang=eng.

The Church website includes the following:

  • Doctrine and Principles
    • Doctrine and Principles
    • Preventing Suicide and Responding after a Loss
  • How to Help
    • Warning Signs of Suicide
    • How to Help Someone in Crisis: Ask, Care, Tell
    • How to Respond after a Suicide
    • I Still Have Questions, Where Can I Find Answers
  • Loss Survivors
    • How can I work through my pain after a suicide?
    • Could I have done more to prevent my child’s suicide?
    • How do I tell others what happened?
    • Are there any restrictions on funeral or burial services for someone who died by suicide?
    • Have other Church members lost a loved one by suicide?
  • Attempt Survivors
    • Why should I keep struggling when life is so challenging?
    • Can I ever get back to normal after a suicide attempt?
    • Am I worthy to take the sacrament or go to the temple?
    • Are there other suicide attempt survivors in the Church?
  • Thoughts of Suicide
    • I’m worried I might hurt myself. How can I stay safe?
    • I just want my pain to end. Why can’t I be healed?
    • Do I really need to tell someone I’m thinking about suicide?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Will talking about suicide make someone more likely to attempt suicide?Talking about suicide will not make someone more likely to attempt suicide. In fact, talking openly about suicide is an effective way to help prevent suicide. Asking a person directly if they are thinking about suicide gives them an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings without worrying that they will be judged.
    • What should I do if someone tells me they are thinking about suicide?Never promise to keep someone’s thoughts of suicide secret. If they ask you not to tell anyone, explain that you will respect their privacy as much as possible but they need more help than you can give.
  • How do I start a conversation with someone I’m worried about?Tell your friend that you genuinely care about them. Explain what you’ve observed recently, such as, “You seem so unhappy lately.” Give them time to explain how they are feeling.
  • How can I support someone who has survived a suicide attempt?Feeling loved and included can give attempt survivors hope for the future and may help them avoid another suicide attempt. It is their story. Allow them to disclose their challenges in their own time and to the people they choose.
  • How can I support someone who has lost a loved one by suicide?Understand that the grieving process takes time. The best care we can provide is to help someone experience the blessings of Heavenly Father’s love and the Savior’s mercy and grace. When an individual or family has lost a loved one by suicide, prayerfully observe their needs and try to support them.
  • How do I hold a discussion about suicide in my ward or family?The purpose of any discussion about suicide should be to help leaders and members minister more effectively to those who have been affected by suicide. Be careful when holding a discussion to avoid language that could cause someone to relive intense pain.

In Crisis? Talk Now.

The help lines listed below are free and are staffed by people who are trained to help. You do not have to be suicidal to call and talk. These resources are not created, maintained, or controlled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church does not endorse any content that is not in keeping with its doctrines and teachings.

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