Faith and Suicide
May 15, 2007 by pistolpete
Since being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, I’ve been inundated with all the alarming statistics about my future functioning (or lack thereof). By the grace of God, I have more-or-less beat the odds. For this, I’m grateful.
Many others aren’t so fortunate. There are many people who try just as hard as I do to stay sane only to fall victim to the illness, even to the point of death. And it’s not a question of the measure of faith they have. Personal faith can’t save you from tragedy.
Some time ago I read an article in the New York Times that poignantly illustrates this -
The police arrived at the small Astoria, Queens, apartment of Mr. Guglielmini’s mother, Francesca, soon after she last saw her son. A young man had jumped off the 59th Street Bridge, they said. A backpack had been recovered. In it were two Bibles, and Mr. Guglielmini’s name.
So if our faith can’t save us, what can? Only the hope of Christ, given to us through the gracious mercy of God. Why everyone doesn’t receive this gift is a terrible mystery.
For my part, I just cling to the belief that Someone stronger than I am is keeping me alive and is leading me through dark valleys to greener pastures. And that’s enough to keep me going.
Where does the painting come from? It’s so descriptive, it’s painful to look at.
The Pistol fires back: I found it by googling “depression” images. I agree, it is haunting.
This is well said and yes that picture is somewhat haunting. My triplet brother comitted suicide. Unfortunately, he didn’t cling to Christ and left disaster and shame that encompassed his entire family. It’s something I still live with and deal with. It’s only by God’s wonderful grace that we are here and alive. I used to question why God didn’t save my brother from himself. I don’t think I’ll ever know the answers to those questions. But I do cling on to my Saviour because although its painful, I know He is always with me and has spared me this far.
Thank you for your insights. God bless you.
Michelle
The Pistol fires back: My prayers are with you and your family.
This is a good post. If faith in Christ was able to prevent suicide there would be a lot less of them. Sadly I don’t think it is. I’ve had two family members and a close friend commit suicide and I’ve made an attempt myself.
It hurts to hear someone say “how selfish of that person to kill themself” because it has nothing to do with selfishness, it has to do with utter despair to the point of not being able to go on. It seems like the only answer.
I suppose when people make that statement its a actually a good thing because it means they’ve never suffered severe depression. Its a horrible way to live. My heart goes out to you and everyone else diagnosed with hard to live with illnesses.
The Pistol fires back: Good points. Sorry to hear about your family members and friends, but I’m grateful your suicide attempt was unsuccessful.
Barbara - thank you for your comment about suicide not being about selfishness. When one is in the depths of the black hole of depression, suicide just seems like the next logical step to stop the pain. Not only your own pain, but the pain you perceive you are causing those closest to you. It’s only when you’re able to crawl out of the hole that you realize how horrible that thought process actually is. Been there and am glad I’m out.
The Pistol fires back: I’m glad you’re out of the hole as well.
I, too, appreciated this post (honest & direct), as well as the comments added by Barbara and observantbystander. This subject is one that is still often “hush-hush”. Not only is it incredibly painful to discuss with someone who has lost someone to suicide, but is it hard & shameful to talk about when you are someone who has tried it, and failed. I fall into both catagories, as my fiance’s nephew killed himself in July of 2004 - and - I have been thru that “dark tunnel” myself, at one point in my own life, not so many yrs ago. The comment that it is not about “selfishness” is so true. It is about giving up, about not having the will to keep trying. It is all about “despair” and “hopelessness”. We “forget” that we are loved, that our life holds meaning and purpose. That we are precious in His sight. Our faith is a “two-way street”, and God’s supply of love & grace is always open and flowing. We sometimes turn the “valve” off, on our end, or turn it down to a mere trickle, forgetting how very much we need Him….in times of both “light” AND “darkness”. I would never, ever want to hurt those that I love again, by making such a desperate and desolate choice as ending my own life. I prefer to take every fear, every loss, every grief - to my God, to ask His counsel and His comfort, in bearing it - and perhaps learning from it. (Joshua 1:9). Thank you for your mention of such a vitally important subject matter. It is my prayer that someone out there who is in need of encouragement & comfort, stumbles across your blog, and reads your beautifully and tenderly words of explanation about God’s grace for those who are in such a dark & desperate place….and will see His light shining thru.
The Pistol fires back: Nicely put. Beautiful imagery to illustrate a very complex issue.
So many have found found confort in Christ or God this much is true.
But Mental Health and of course Mental illness is a subjective expierience.
So Christianity of Faith in God may work for some but not for everyone.
I don’t like the the labels but I’m agnostic/ Humanistic/ and usually
Existential in my view of me, My loved ones, and with social concerns.
I am also a seven year manager of Bipolar disorder.
One can save him/herself and contribute the Humanity of others,
By not using Faith (in religous terms), and in spirituality.
Its a puzzle where each person sees it a litte differently.
This puzzle is building (or rebuilding) a better “Me”.
A better “me” leads to others building a better “me”.
We are great social beings but we have the power to change ourselves
and humanity and we can start with what we have access to best.
ouselves.
I love the art work on this page!
CB
The Pistol fires back: Thank you for your thoughtful response. I agree with you in part. We have the power not to achieve, but receive a new life. If I thought the burden of change was solely on my shoulders, it would drive me crazier than I already am. Thanks again for your visit and comment.
one of my best friends (who happened to be an employee) committed suicide two years this past february. i am still haunted by his loss as we were very close and feel like i failed him in some way, still.
thank you for your honesty and your insight. i wish i had known you two years ago, you would have been pretty helpful in my grieving process…
The Pistol fires back: I’m glad this post spoke to you. God bless.