Suicide Prevention Starts with Us

What fires do I need to put out in my own life?

When we think about prevention, we often think in terms of how we can help others. No one dreams of ending it all one day — none of us are immune to suicidal thoughts. Many people assume suicides happen for a certain type of people. I would disagree. As humans, we all hurt. We experience times of debilitating pain (whether physical or emotional). Life hurts. I don’t know about you but I want to suffer well.

Even some of the greats in the Bible despaired to the point of begging God to end their lives. Elijah, the prophet who won the showdown with the prophets of Baal, longed for God to end his suffering as he hid from Jezebel. No one would ever have expected this great man of God to end up in such a pit.

Prevention starts when we take steps to make sure we are taking care of ourselves. Do we have people we can talk with about our struggles? How is our walk with the Lord? Am I doing my part to strive for physical health? How am I managing the stress in my life? Stress will come. It is inevitable. We need to learn healthy ways to manage it, so that we don’t plummet into the depths of despair.

Two different people asked me recently what I do to take care of myself. I thought I would share a couple of ways I prioritize my own health. First, I strive to practice Sabbath rest. On Sundays, I do not check emails or social media. I don’t do any work. I focus on what is life-giving and restful on Sundays. Secondly, I remain in the Word. God’s Word is true no matter what my circumstances. I cling to these truths when life feels out of control – this helps to ground me. Lastly, I have trusted friends I know I can call and share my burdens with. They listen to me, pray for and with me, and give me godly counsel.

What about you? What do you do to prioritize your mental health?