How to Support Someone Who Is Suicidal

“In the last 20 years, suicides have grown by 40% in America. Over 100 people every day are choosing to end their life this way.”

Ed was carrying a load on his shoulders, the heaviest of his life. He did not know how to face it, so he turned to a reliable friend, Mr. Alcohol. One night he was so overwhelmed he prepared himself to end it all. He went to the store and purchased the biggest case of beer he could buy then walked to the railroad tracks, sat down and began drinking. Fortunately, his life was spared and when I met him as a young pastor in my mid-20s and heard his story, I invited him to live with me. During that time, I came to know Ed as a friend and was privileged to be Jesus to Him during one of the lowest points of his life. 

In the last 20 years, suicides have grown by 40% in America. Over 100 people every day are choosing to end their life this way, from teenagers to middle-aged men. As a follower of Jesus, I firmly believe this is a spiritual battle at its core. The raging battle in the mind of someone considering suicide; trying to decided whether to live or die, is a battle between good and evil. Jesus once said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) And who is the thief? The devil. He is the enemy which seeks to ruin lives, where Christ seeks to bring newness of life. When suicidal thoughts come, it is evidence of a desperate spiritual battle. 

Knowing that, how can we help fight the lies of suicide, by bringing the goodness of God to someone who is struggling? 

1.    Pray. Call out to Almighty God seeking His divine involvement. There is power in simple, but desperate prayer. “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” (Psalm 18:6)  

2.    Share God’s Word. Like prayer, there is supernatural power in God’s Word. Read it to someone walking through great struggles. Text it to them. Use the Word like a skilled weapon to fight back any suicidal thoughts that may cross their mind. 

3.    Engage. It is vital to engage with those going through times of distress, for these times may precipitate suicidal thoughts in some. God says to “Be kind to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32) We show kindness to people by spending time with them. Invite someone in crisis into your home, or go to their home. We also can engage people through phone calls or video chats saying, “How are you holding up? I care about you and I am always here for you.”   

4.    Invite to church. Offer to someone under tremendous stress, to come to church and into the presence of God. Let them hear His Word taught, listen to the singing of God’s praises, and be around others that can join you in praying for them.  

5.    Offer professional help. Observe when it is time for the person you are concerned about, to meet with a wise and godly pastor or Christian counselor. But if that cannot come soon enough, do not wait! Immediately call 9-8-8, which is a suicide hotline that provides 24/7 free and confidential help. 

Each of these steps demonstrate what it means to “love your neighbor as yourself,” which Jesus taught. Through loving one another and the power of God, we can try to prevent suicide. Because Jesus has died and risen again conquering all evil, our hope is in Him. We cannot control everything that a suicidal person is determined to do, but we can control what we do, by reaching out to those under heavy burdens.  

A prayer for you – Lord God, open our eyes to family members and friends who are struggling today. Help us to show kindness and walk with them through their dark valley. Deliver them from any evil thoughts of suicide, and let them see the light of life in Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.