Hope in the Darkness

Edit 10/9/15: I wrote this post back in 2012. For a theological response to the question of suicide, and how the Doctrine of the Sovereignty of God can provide a pastoral response, do check out this post here.

Today is World Suicide Prevention/Awareness Day. In keeping with many such 'days', for various causes (The last one I blogged about was EVAW day), I had my awareness raised and so am blogging about this today. Suicide is a horrible, terrible thing. It is one of the biggest killers in the West, and something that is patently misunderstood and demonised both inside and outside of the Church.

I'm blogging on this today because suicidal thoughts were, for me, part and parcel of being depressed. Depression has knocked me off course and held me back at various times in my life - and its been a combination of the love of friends and family, the skills of doctors and their prescribed medication, and the hope and unfailing love of my saviour Jesus Christ that has stayed my mind/hand from acting on those thoughts. I've blogged before about "Christianity and Depression", because its something dear to me. Suicide is often - but not exclusively - linked to Depression, and it is an event that has far reaching consequences. The collateral damage amongst friends and family of the suicide victim can be huge; and often overlooked in the light of what has happened.

Suicide is estimated to kill over 1 MILLION people each year. The World Health Organization sees it as the 13th biggest cause of death worldwide. Men are between three and four times more likely to commit suicide, and is a huge problem amongst teenagers and adults under 35. Suicide is damaging not just to the victim/perpetrator: it affects the family and friends, and can also be damaging if the individual fails in their aims. There are millions of non-fatal attempted suicides each year, many of which leave the attempter with long-lasting health issues.

Suicide is an issue that is slowly creeping onto the public consciousness by way of its related issue, assisted suicide or Euthanasia. This, often couched in terms such as 'medically assisted', is a type of suicide usually focusing on those who are terminally ill, in extreme pain, or (whether true or not) suffering a minimal quality of life. On that issue, I struggled to find anything to say in the light of Terry Pratchett's documentary on the BBC.

It is a sobering reel of facts. But we need to be aware of them. We need to be aware of the global, pervasive spectre of suicide. And, I believe, we need to be aware that suicide is not invincible. There are ways that those contemplating it can be brought out of the darkness of their minds (or circumstances, or homes, or relationships, or careers) into the light of hope. There are many ministries and charities - one of my favourites is "To Write Love on Her Arms"  and also the ever-faithful Samaritans - who seek to bring light and hope into the darkness. I hope that in reading this post you will be more aware of suicide and the surrounding issues. But I also hope that you will seek the light and hope that is Jesus Christ, who will be glad to forgive you, who made every person for a reason, and who loves to show us how full and real and joyful life can be. One thing Jesus said that is powerful is this;

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I AM the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"

Jesus offers a better way. He offers a light. He offers hope. He offers himself. Consider his claims. Consider him.