Faith Resources
Faith & Suicide
Learn. Listen. Be a Help.
To prevent suicide, how we talk about it makes a difference. The faith community is a natural place for open conversations that foster prevention and intervention. Whether you’re encouraging and supporting someone who has suicidal thoughts or comforting a grieving family, knowing God’s word is key. Learn how you can offer help and support in these trying circumstances.
Article
What if someone I know is contemplating suicide?
The suicide rate in the U.S. has gone up again. The increase has now raised the nation’s suicide rate to 13 per 100,000 people, the highest since 1986. So how should the church respond?
Suicide Awareness and Prevention
This free downloadable e-book from Spiritual First Aid provides insights from suicide prevention experts and those with lived experience. It contains helpful, practical strategies you can use in your church to come alongside people who may be contemplating suicide, as well as those who love them. It also contains a chapter for faith leaders titled “How Faith Leaders Can Prevent Suicide in Their Communities.”
The Truth about Acceptance after a Suicide
This article from Grace Alliance discusses how acceptance of a loved one’s death by suicide is an integral part of a journey toward healing from the loss and for overall mental well-being. Learn five truths about acceptance which can help move you forward.
Surviving a Child's Suicide
How does a parent recover and move on from the tragedy of their child committing suicide? Even though six years have passed, I can still clearly picture the tragic evening. My fingers clicked on the laptop keyboard as my 14-year-old daughter walked into the room.
Suicide and hope
The Gospel brings hope that changes hearts and saves lives. Lutherans For Life’s Word of Hope Director, Deaconess Chrissie Gillet, PsyD, outlines for us the strategy of HOPE you can apply when someone you know has suicidal thoughts.
What to Do When Your Child Has Thoughts of Suicide
Suicide is not something anyone wants to think about, let alone talk about. I have spoken often with despondent parents whose worst nightmare has become reality—their child has expressed thoughts of suicide.
A grief like no other
If you are reading this, you are probably a survivor of suicide. Someone you care about has died, and you are grieving. We are so very sorry.
I Will Grieve for the Suicide: Gospel Comfort for Loved Ones Left Behind
This new free downloadable book from LCMS Life Ministry helps people walk through the grief associated with a death by suicide and includes appendices with discussion questions, prayers for the grieving, Scripture passages of comfort, and resource suggestions.
When Someone Dies by Suicide
This trifold brochure, written by Emily Boller after the death of her son by suicide, provides tips for clergy, congregation members, extended family members and friends for how to best care for and comfort a grieving family after the death of a loved one by suicide. Emily Boller’s wisdom and insights are a must-read for those wanting practical advice for what to say and do (and what not to say or do) after a suicide.
Finding Hope: A Toolkit for Suicide Prevention
STOP Suicide Northeast Indiana has created this toolkit to help people quickly access information to help someone with thoughts of suicide and tips for how to help after a suicide attempt.
Help and Hope: For Survivors of Suicide Loss
STOP Suicide Northeast Indiana has created this toolkit with practical advice for how to help someone grieving the loss of a loved one due to suicide.
