The World Is Rallying to the Cause of Suicide Prevention—What about the Church?

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month and World Suicide Prevention day is Sept. 10. With the number of teens and children hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and attempts doubling in the last 10 years, it’s more important than ever for the church to raise awareness, offer help to those with suicidal thoughts, and support friends and family who have lost loved ones to suicide.

The topics of suicide and depression still carry a stigma, which means the church has a critical opportunity to lead the conversation about mental health and suicide and be a voice for those who are afraid to speak up. Suicide Prevention Day can be the impetus for leaders to approach the needs in their churches with compassion and sensitivity. We want to show mercy and empathize with those who are suffering while making it known to them that God is present and he offers peace, grace, and comfort through the pain.

There are many things we can do to address the warning signs in our youth particularly. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention states that depression and other mental health conditions are often the cause of suicide. Read More

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