Suicide

Many high profile suicides have occurred in recent years and the publicity tends to normalize the event, especially to struggling young people. The same cause can lead to suicide 'clusters' at certain times in local areas.

Suicidal thoughts are like an 'over temperature' warning light on the dash in a car - something is wrong and you need to take action.

The action needed is to slow and let the engine cool while you are still driving - remove yourself from some challenging circumstances if you can - reach out for help.

It seems obvious, but the option of blowing up the car to fix the engine temperature problem would be an over-reaction and irreversible.

Just as a mechanic knows how to help with the engine overheating problem, trained professionals know how to help with problems that would make you feel suicidal.

Suicide

The act of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally. (merriam-webster) - killing yourself.

Depression

Depression is more than just a low mood – it's a serious condition that affects your physical and mental health. (beyondblue.org.au)

Risk factors are longer term challenges that a young person may deal with over a period of time. List of risk factors.

There are known risk factors that can cause the red overheat light to come on in your life. Even facing risk factors, the outcome is not a foregone conclusion. The severity of the negative impact associated with risk factors can be lessened by developing positive coping skills - slowing down so that the light will go off again while still driving.

Now the temperature light is flashing and an alarm has gone off in the car. Intervention needed.

Warning signs are behavioural changes, thoughts or feelings that can provide 'clues' or 'red flags' about your young person’s risk of suicide. See this list of suicide warning signs.

Depression is a high risk factor on the path to suicide. Depression can be caused by many factors. Persistent negative thinking patterns can be a depression trigger for some people.

See this link for a great insight into all things about depression - What is depression?

Persistent negative thinking can bring on depression and over time change the chemical connections in the brain.

A lot of Christian churches regard suicide as a sin, however there is no direct reference that spells it out so plainly in the Bible.

A general principle throughout the Bible is that God gave you the gift of life with unique talents to serve others - to reject that gift is never a good idea.

If you are in a dark place contemplating suicide, it can't hurt to ask God to come into your situation to bring life back to you. See Big Picture. Still seek professional help as well.

If you are in a position where suicide thoughts are prevalent, it is easy to sink into your own personal downward spiral. The hardest part will be the first step to reach out for help. It will mean exposing your internal person to someone else. It will be an assault on the pride and independence that we all have.

A decision is needed. Once you make the decision to reach out, you are on the path to recovery. The tide that was running out in your life will change and begin to start coming in - all from that one decision.