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Jul 23, 2021 13:00pm

If You Have Suicidal Thoughts . . .

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Do you feel like you want to escape life?
Have you had suicidal thoughts?
Have you made a plan?
Have you attempted to kill yourself?

Wherever you are – you are not alone. There is hope in Christ and you are not alone, so please talk to someone about it.

There are other options besides suicide; even if you feel like you are in immense pain and suffering, there are other ways to make it stop than to stop living.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, here are several steps you can take that can save your life:

Seek Immediate Help

If you are thinking about attempting suicide or you may hurt yourself, please call:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor.

Reach out to a friend, a family member, a spiritual leader, or your doctor.

Think Strategically

With the help of a doctor or a counselor, take action in your life. Whether it is learning coping strategies or receiving treatment for related causes like overwhelming depression or anxiety, be on the front end of this.

If you have a plan to end your life or have access to medications, large quantities of alcohol, firearms, knives, or any other dangerous items, get rid of them. If they are not in the house, not in the car, not easily accessible, then out of sight, out of mind, and the harder it will be to end your own life.

Remember, drugs and alcohol will only worsen or increase suicidal thoughts. They won’t help you in the long run.

Create a Life Plan

Have a checklist written out for when thoughts of suicide come your way.

This list may include calling your doctor, therapist, crisis center, or loved one.

Keep a list of accessible people you can call when you need help.

Try healthy and enjoyable activities when negative thoughts spiral into your mind. This could be taking a walk, riding a bike, gardening, petting a dog, etc.

Write down why your life is valuable and your reasons for living
for your family, for your children, for your loved ones.

Don’t forget the most important reason for living: God created you in his image, and his plan for your life is not meant to harm you but to offer that grace-filled salvation that only comes from his son Jesus.

You have people who love you. Focus on them. Stay social, stay connected and join a support group like Celebrate Recovery that can be incredibly beneficial.

Keep a “hope journal” for whenever something in life happens that you can appreciate and remember. You can also include encouraging verses from the Bible or small messages of hope from those who care about you.

Here are several scriptures that may provide comfort:

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.”
Psalm 46:1-3

“Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4

“If I walk into the thick of danger, you will preserve my life…You will extend your hand; your right hand will save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me. Lord, your faithful love endures forever”
Psalm 138:7-8

Feelings are only temporary, and life can get better. Don’t lose hope. If you are hurting, and you need someone to share your struggles with, MXTV offers a free live chat that is available any time, any day, and from anywhere in the world. Click below to learn more and live the abundant life in Christ:

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