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Mormons & Suicidal Thoughts

Is it probable that someone can reach to such a depressed state that they start to think about suicide? Should nothing ever cause you to think about suicide or is it normal human behavior because of depression? From an LDS perspective we understand that the Lord gives us no more than we can handle... But are there time when it is just too much?

Thoughts Suicidal and Mormons

Yes, of course. Thousands of people die every day by suicide.

Suicidal behavior is not normal. Is a medical condition that needs treatment as soon as possible.

Yes, we understand that but when somebody is suffering from a mental illness such as severe depression, those thoughts or beliefs do not come into their minds, they see all darkness, and negativity, no exit but to end their lives. People do not realize that those who are suicidal or committed suicide, really felt there was not a solution about their problems or was not worth the effort.

Mormons & Suicidal Thoughts Studies Doctrine Mormon

I suffered from depression at various times... actually, for most of the past 25 years, if not longer. I did reach a point where -- it wasn't actually thinking of suicide per se, but trying to find a reason to live every day. I wasn't dwelling on ways to kill myself, but thinking very hard about what I needed to live for *that day.* That's the only thing that got me out of bed most days, that ONE thing. Thank goodness I got help around that time and discovered what the main problem was.

It's hard to describe if you've never experienced severe depression, and it's hard to look back on that in one's own life. I wonder how I made it through, when it all seemed so hopeless and I felt so helpless. Satan works in such insidious ways that we don't realize these thoughts are not our own. He whispers we are not good enough, don't bother trying, why waste your time? After awhile, some of us believe it.

IMO
Roz

Thoughts Suicidal and Mormons

I certainly can't compare my experiences to anyone else's in severity, but I have certainly felt the way Roz has. While I haven't considered suicide, there have been days where I would have eagerly welcomed death.

I can certainly understand how someone without as strong a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation would seriously consider suicide, and even commit it. I have heard Christian ministers say that suicide is the most selfish thing a person can do. I would agree that suicide attempts (clumsy ones) are, as they are attempts to get attention. However, someone who commits suicide in absolutely unstoppable ways, because of depression, aren't calling out for attention. They are trying to quiet the demons inside. And this is something I can understand.

So, yes, with depression or various medications and drugs, I can see how LDS people could contemplate or commit suicide.

I would agree that the Lord won't allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist, except that when we become involved in certain things such as drug abuse, we may allow ourselves to go beyond that resistance point. But that is another discussion.

Thoughts Suicidal and Mormons

Just last night I thought about suicide. I thought about driving my truck into the cement barrier on the side of the road. It was a passing thought and then I thought about the fact that my air bags would deploy and I probably wouldn't die, but just end up with a wrecked truck and maybe some painful injuries to work my way through.

I don't think I am "depressed" in the clinical sense and I don't think I am truly suicidal. For one thing, I am afraid of death. Yet, there are things going on in my family that I can't imagine living with for the next 10 to 20 years. I think this is why many manic depressives kill themselves in their manic state not their depressed state. When things are going well for them, they realize it is only temporary and that they will need to endure another state of depression at some point in their lives and just can't imagine living it again.

I don't think this has anything to do with having the gospel or not. While it is true that we will not be given more than we can handle, at times it definately seems like we have been. In moments of great despair, I think it is extremely difficult to stop and think in terms of the gospel and the fact that you have the strength to endure this trial or you wouldn't have been given it. For example, I may be strong enough to live without the family relationships in my life that have been destroyed over the past year, but the real question is do I really want to. Yesterday, I wasn't sure.

Mormons & Suicidal Thoughts

Tena, my friend, I'm so glad you are such a rational creature. To think of the airbags! Of course! But do you see where a thought like that comes right out of "nowhere"? I honestly believe that these are whispers from the Adversary who wants us to be miserable.

Great point about manic depressives. I wonder too about others who commit suicide while things are going really well in their lives, or at least other people think things are going well. I've read instances where the survivors say, "gosh, he just started college and seemed so happy," or "she just started a great new job" etc. etc. What makes them end it all?

Offtopic but, It makes me so sad to know you are having such difficulty with family relationships -- I have no idea how I could help, but I would welcome the opportunity to.

Roz

Mormons & Suicidal Thoughts

One thing I learned is if someone is thinking about suicide then they need help because this is rock bottom in depression. You should also never take lightly if someone tells you they've thought about committing suicide either.