I Have Thoughts of Suicide; Can the Bible Help Me?

I want to die. Can the Bible help me when I’m thinking about suicide?

Yes!
The Bible was written by “God who consoles the brokenhearted.” 2 Corinthians 7:6. The Bible is not a manual on mental health, yet it has helped many people overcome thoughts of suicide. You, too, can benefit from the book’s sound guidance.

Share your emotions.

According to Proverbs 17:17, “A loyal friend shows love at all times, and is a brother born for times of need.” Proverbs 17:17. When we’re having difficult thoughts, we need the help of our friends and family.

If you bottle up your emotions, you may end up carrying around a heavy load.
But if you talk about how you’re feeling, you might be able to diminish the severity of those feelings and even acquire some new perspective.

An individual struggling with suicide ideation confides in another male friend. Here’s an experiment:
You should have a conversation with someone today, either a member of your immediate family or a close friend. You could also use writing to convey your thoughts and feelings.

Seek out expert aid.

To paraphrase the Bible: “The healthy have no need for a doctor, but the sick have to have one.” Matthew 9:12. Meaning: when we feel sick, we need to see a doctor. Mental or emotional distress might manifest as suicidal ideation. There’s no need to feel guilty about this, just as there isn’t about having a physical illness. Treatments exist for mental and emotional disorders.

A feasible solution is to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that God has your best interests at heart.

The Bible says, “Do not five sparrows sell for two tiny pence.” To God’s credit, He has not forgotten even a single one of them. You need not worry; your value far exceeds that of a flock of sparrows.—Luke 12:6, 7.

God places great value on you.

Even though it may seem like no one else understands your pain, God does. He wants the best for you, even if you’ve given up hope. Psalm 51:17 states, “You will not reject a broken and crushed heart.”
God loves you, and he wants you to live.

Here’s an experiment:
Learn God’s love for you by looking at the Bible’s proof.

Seek God in prayer.

Biblical advice: “Cast all your worries on [God], since he cares for you.”1 Peter 5:7.

What this means is that God wants you to tell him everything that’s on your mind. God is the only one who can give you the serenity of mind and the courage to keep on.
Those who put their hope in Christ (Philippians 4:6, 7, 13)
Those who pray to him in earnest receive his support in this way.
—Psalm 55:22.

As he contemplates suicide, a man sits on a park bench with an open Bible.

Here’s an experiment:
Get on your knees and pray to God today.
Call him Jehovah and share your heart with him.
(Psalm 83:18)
Try to get some encouragement from him to keep going.

Pursue a contemplation of the Bible’s optimistic outlook.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, secure and firm, the Bible states. Hebrews 6:19.

Although your feelings may be tossed around like a ship in a storm, the hope found in the Bible can provide a steady rudder.

This faith is not founded on wishful thinking but on God’s promise to take away the sources of our suffering. (The Book of) Revelation 21:4.

Do something that brings you delight.

According to the Bible, “a cheerful heart is good medicine.”(Proverbs 17:22). That is, it may be beneficial to our mental and emotional health to engage in activities that offer us happiness.

A suicidal man helps another man rake leaves while cracking a smile.

Here’s an experiment:
Perform a habitual activity that brings you joy.
Do something that brings you joy, such listening to upbeat music, reading an encouraging book, or engaging in a pastime.
Doing something, however tiny, to improve the lives of others is a surefire method to boost your own happiness levels.
—Acts 20:35.

Take care of your body.

The Bible teaches that working out is good for you. 1 Timothy 4:8.

Meaning that we reap rewards when we work out, get enough shut-eye, and consume nutritious foods.

Take a stroll, even if it’s just briskly for 15 minutes.

Keep in mind that your emotions and circumstances will evolve throughout time.

The Bible warns that tomorrow’s circumstances are unknown.James 4:14.

That which causes you distress may not be as permanent as it seems, even if it is out of your control.

If things look hopeless today, keep in mind that anything is possible.
Find strategies to deal with it.
As stated in the verse from 2 Corinthians 4:8:
Your difficult circumstance will most likely improve over time, but suicide is irreversible.

Here’s an experiment:
In the Bible, you may read of individuals who were so down on their luck that they wanted to end it all, and then you can see how their lives turned around for the better in ways they never would have imagined.
So, let’s look at several instances.

Is there any record in the Bible of anyone actively seeking death?

Yes.
Some people in the Bible essentially stated, “I want to die,” and that’s something we learn about in the Bible.
The Lord did not condemn them, but rather he made aid available to them.
In the same way, he can help you.

Elijah

Who was he?
When it came to prophecy, Elijah was one of the bravest. Still, he wasn’t proof against feeling down sometimes. The Bible teaches that Elijah was human like us because he had emotions, as James 5:17 puts it. To what end did he set out to die? There was a time when Elijah felt totally alone, terrified, and useless.
He prayed, “Jehovah, please take my life.”1 Kings 19:4.

Please explain what it was that aided him.
When Elijah was alone with God, he expressed his deepest thoughts and feelings to him. To what end did God bolster his spirits? God cared for him and showed him His mighty hand.
As if it wasn’t enough, he also provided Elijah with a trustworthy helper who cared for him.

Job

Who was he?
Job was a successful businessman and devoted Christian. To what end did he set out to die?
Things went drastically downhill for Job. Everything he owned was taken from him. They were all lost in the tragedy that took their lives. A painful illness had befallen him.
Finally, he was accused, harshly and incorrectly, of being the cause of his own predicament.
Job declared, “I despise my life; I have no desire to continue living.” Job 7:16.

Please explain what it was that aided him.
Job consulted God and his friends for advice.
(Job 10:1-3)
A sympathetic buddy named Elihu gave him hope and helped him see the bigger picture, which ultimately led to his recovery.
Job, above all, was open to God’s guidance and assistance.

Moses

Who was he?
Israel’s first leader and a true prophet, Moses was a pivotal figure in their history.

To what end did he set out to die?
Moses was overburdened with work, often chastised, and exhausted. Finally, he begged God to take his life immediately. In the book of Numbers, at verses 11 and 15.

Please explain what it was that aided him.
After Moses expressed his emotions to God, God responded. God relieved Moses’ tension by reducing his task.

What scriptures may I use to assist me fight off thoughts of suicide?

Scriptures that demonstrate God’s concern for you:

If you’re feeling down and down, take heart: “Jehovah is near to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are crushed in spirit.”Psalm 34:18.

Whenever my worries got the best of me, you were there to calm me down. Psalm 94:19.

(Also also 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; Psalm 27:10; 103:12-14.)

Bible verses that prove God cares about your suffering:

“You know my suffering; you have witnessed my pain.”Psalm 31:7.

It was upsetting to him that they were in so much pain.
He helped raise them up with his kindness and compassion.
Quote from: Isaiah 63:9.

Scriptures that emphasize the importance of prayer and God’s desire for intimacy:

Pray about everything and “make your pleas be known to God; and the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental faculties.”Philippians 4:1, 7.

“As you become closer to God, God gets closer to you.”James 4:8.

(Refer to also Psalm 34:4, 15; 55:22.)

Proof texts that God can empower you:

I am able to do anything because of the One who strengthens me. 1 Peter 3:15.

You need not worry; I will see you through this.
I am your God; you have nothing to worry about.
I will strengthen you; yes, I will aid you.”
Isa 41:10.

As well as (Psalm 138:3; Isaiah 40:29-31).

What do you do if a friend says those terrible words?

Always give careful consideration to any talk of suicide.
Get your pal talking by prodding and coaxing. Insightful counsel from the wise (Proverbs 20:5). People may be less likely to really commit suicide if they discuss their suicidal thoughts with others.

Be compassionate while you listen.
The adage goes, “Think before you speak.”(James 1:19)
Keep in mind that a person suffering from extreme emotional distress or melancholy may resort to “crazy talking.” (Job 6:2, 3)
Avoid taking things too personally if a buddy makes a careless or cruel remark.

Be reassuring with your words.
“Speak consolingly to those who are depressed,” the Bible instructs.
(5:14, 1 Thessalonians)
Avoid dismissing your pal’s emotions.
Respond with an acknowledgment of his emotions and their justifications.
Express your gratitude to a close pal.

Request that your buddy get professional assistance immediately.
Wisdom, according to Proverbs 13:10, is the property of those who pursue it.
You would advise your friend to see a doctor if he were seriously unwell with a physical condition. Encourage him to consult a doctor because suicidal ideation is often an indicator of a deeper emotional or mental health issue.
Invite yourself along with him if you like.

Be affectionate.
The Bible teaches that good friends are always there for each other and are like brothers who were born to help each other out in tough situations.
This is a wise saying (Proverbs 17:17)
Neither the difficulties nor the suicide ideation of a buddy can be eliminated.
However, if you reassure him of your undying affection and unwavering devotion, you just might be the one to get him through the day, and maybe even make tomorrow a better one.