People consider suicide when the pain they feel exceeds their ability to cope with it. They want to end their suffering, and think that ending their lives will bring relief.

A trained professional is the very best person to speak with someone who is considering suicide. If you know someone who is feeling that they cannot go on, or if you're feeling that way yourself, the best thing you can do is speak with a counselor. That person can help find ways to decrease the pain or discover ways of coping with it. Our church staff can make recommendations, as can the various help lines which are available by telephone or Internet today.

In the meanwhile, it is important to know that it is possible to get through this. Feeling suicidal does not require that we act on our feeling. The best thing to do immediately is to create some space. If we decide not to act on our feelings for even a few minutes or a day, we can find the strength to seek help. By seeking help we can deal with the pain and find the hope we need.

Warning signs

More than 90 percent of those who commit suicide suffered from a significant psychiatric illness at the time of their death. Chronic major depression is by far the leading cause of suicide. This brain illness causes the person not to think as healthy people think, and often leads him or her to believe that suicide is the only way to stop the pain. Alcohol or drug use compound this problem and increase the risk of suicide greatly.

Common indicators that a person needs immediate help:

Those who threaten to hurt or kill themselves, or talk of wanting to hurt or kill themselves.

Those looking for ways to kill themselves by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means.

Those talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for them.

Research has identified these specific risk factors for suicide:

Previous suicide attempt(s)

History of mental disorders, particularly depression

History of alcohol and substance abuse

Family history of suicide (depression is often genetic)

Family history of child maltreatment

Feelings of hopelessness

Impulsive or aggressive tendencies

Barriers to accessing mental health treatment

Loss (relational, social, work, financial, etc.)

Physical illness

Easy access to lethal methods

Unwillingness to seek help due to stigma attached to mental health, substance abuse disorders, or suicidal thoughts

Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble way to die

Local epidemics of suicide

Isolation, a sense of being cut off from others.

If you or someone you know matches these characteristics, it is vital to seek qualified help today.

Protective factors

The following indicators help buffer people from the risks associated with suicide:

Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
Easy access to clinical interventions and support for those seeking help
Family and community support
Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
Cultural and religious beliefs which discourage suicide and encourage self-preservation instincts.

Help those you care about to experience these positive influences, and you'll do much to prevent the tragedy of suicide.