Suicide is the voluntary and intentional act of taking one’s own life. Suicidal thoughts, however, are the contemplations of this act—they are moments when an individual feels unable to continue living and considers the means to carry out an end.

Statistics reveal that suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the number of suicide attempts resulting in hospitalization is three times higher. These alarming figures show that suicidal thoughts are a widespread issue, affecting countless individuals across the nation.

Those contemplating suicide often exhibit certain warning signs. While there may be debate over whether these signals are cries for attention or genuine distress, one thing is clear: any expression of pain and desperation must be taken seriously.

Some individuals may show signs of suicidal tendencies to draw attention, signaling a deep need for help, but not necessarily with the intent to follow through. These individuals may experience thoughts of suicide, but their struggles often stem from feelings of inadequacy or emotional turmoil. This discussion primarily addresses those genuinely wrestling with suicidal thoughts.

If you are someone who is truly struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that simply reading this message is a sign of hope. It demonstrates that, even in your darkest moments, there is a glimmer of desire to be rescued from this painful place.

For those battling these thoughts, the sense of hopelessness can feel overwhelming. You may feel that your family would be better off without you, that you are an emotional burden, and that nothing in life holds any value. The weight of guilt and shame for not being able to “snap out of it” can intensify these feelings, leading to the belief that ending it all is the only way out. In these moments, it may seem that recovery is impossible, but there is always one source of hope: the possibility of rescue.

The Bible offers a powerful example of rescue in Psalm 18. The psalmist describes a time of deep despair: “The sorrows of death compassed me…” Yet, he recounts how God delivered him from this distress: “He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me.” In times of overwhelming sorrow, the psalmist called out to God, and the Lord responded with a mighty rescue: “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved…” (Psalm 18:4-19).

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone. God hears your cries, and rescue is possible. Reach out for help.

If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone who can offer support. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE). 

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The following brief descriptions touch on emotions common to our humanity. Insecurity, Discouragement, Loneliness, Anxiety, Inadequacy, Inferiority, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Approval Seeking, Obsession, Neediness, Identity Confusion, Feeling Second Best, and other areas of emotional struggle.