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The LDS Church has published the following age-appropriate articles about suicide in the September issues of the Church magazines:

  • September Ensign & Liahona: “Choosing to Live” and “How to Create a Suicide-Prevention Safety Plan.” The article is written for adults and youth. It includes a narrative written by a woman who overcame struggles with suicide, and the last page provides suggestions for creating a safety plan for those who struggle with thoughts of hurting themselves.
  • September New Era: “Dealing With Depression” and “UnderstandingSuicide.” These are written for teenagers. The first is a 4-page article about depression—how to help others and how to get help yourself—including signs of depression. The second is a 2-page article about understanding and reacting to suicide warning signs in yourself and others.
  • September Friend: “A Butterfly for Courtney” and “Don’t Give Up!” These are two age-appropriate stories for children. The first is an illustrated story about a girl who finds a way to uplift a friend struggling with depression. The second includes tips for children if they, or someone they know, feels sad a lot.

See the upcoming October issues of the magazines for additional articles.

Please share these resources with other members and their leaders and actively support individuals who are affected by suicide. Within the United States, September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. As you share this information, you may want to use one of these hashtags: #SuicidePrevention, #SuicideAwareness, #ItsOkayToTalk, or #ChoosingToLive.

Also learn about the recently updated the entry on “Suicide” in the Gospel Topics on LDS.org.

The following Mormonad is from the September New Era:

The LDS Church has also just updated the entry on “Suicide” in the Gospel Topics on LDS.org. The timing coincides with the national suicide prevention awareness month in September.

The Gospel Topic states, “Most people who have thought about suicide do not want to die; they simply want to find relief from the physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain they are going through.”

Suicide is a serious problem in our homes, schools, churches, and communities. The gospel topic continues, “Suicide is a global public health issue that can often be prevented. While it is a complex situation with no single cause, the risks can be reduced when family, friends, ward members, and mental health professionals come together to help those who are struggling. Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention and should learn the risk factors and warning signs. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please reach out and talk to someone who can provide the right help.”

Please share this information with your family and friends and actively support individuals who are affected by suicide. When you share, you may want to use the hashtags #SuicidePrevention, #SuicideAwareness, #itsokaytotalk, or #ChoosingToLive.

This updated page on suicide is part of an ongoing effort to update the entire section of Gospel Topics (topics.lds.org). Topic pages are being updated one-by-one as part of a long-term effort to provide more doctrinal and Church history resources, inspiring media, and practical support tools. Over time, the Church will add more subjects and make the entire learning experience more consistent, informative, and interactive. Learn more about the Gospel Topics upgrade project.