The topic of discussion for this month was quite easy for the co-founder of S.T.O.P. (Stop-Talk-Overcome-Pain) to choose. This 501c3, teen suicide prevention program located in Brazoria County, Texas, has successfully connected with 20,000 students from May 2018 to March 2020.
During the entire month of September 2020, and specifically on September 10th, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated this time as the National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month around the world.
The numbers for this horrific problem reveal a shocking story. According to WHO, someone takes their own life every 40 seconds. Worldwide, that is about 800,000 people every year, although some estimates put that number closer to 1 million.
On average, one person dies by suicide every two hours in the state of Texas. In fact, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for ages 10 to 34 and the 11th-leading overall cause of death in Texas.
These statistics, which come from the CDC’s 2018 Fatal Injury Reports, accentuate the fact that suicide is a serious problem in Texas. But the truth is, these young people have so much to live for! According to Sergeant Shane Vandergrifft with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Mental Health Office, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a tremendous impact on mental health—which makes the suicide prevention month all the more important this year!
In a news release, Texas Psychological Association President, Megan Mooney, Ph.D., confirms the terrible effects this pandemic has had as it has enveloped our world: “Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Texans are self-quarantining, attending school virtually and working from home, while dealing with unprecedented job losses, underemployment, and other financial hardships. These factors can potentially impact our mental health while contributing to the suicide factor.”
Today, I want to shed some light from the Word of God upon the darkness of depression and suicidal tendencies. And yes, all these promises are true! They are all about the mighty works of God designed specifically for you! As you read each one, thank God that this promise is true, regardless of what you feel.
These seven Bible verses will provide peace and hope in your darkest moments of depression:
1. God will never leave you!
Deuteronomy 31:8 – “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with
you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
2. God will strengthen and uphold you.
Isaiah 41:10 – “…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am
your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand.”
3. God hears your cry.
Psalm 40:1-3 – “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and
heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry
bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a
new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
4. The Lord is your shield.
Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the
lifter of my head.”
5. God is near to the brokenhearted.
Psalm 34:18-19 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the
crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord
delivers him out of them all.”
6. The Lord will renew your strength.
Isaiah 40:31 – “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be
weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
7. Come, all who labor and are heavy laden!
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I
am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my
yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
If you are the parent of a 5th grader or above, please listen to what your child is saying and observe their actions. Never disregard a threat of suicide as ‘teenage melodrama.’ While discouraging isolation, encourage your teen to spend time with supportive friends and family and to develop a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious, organic food, exercise, and sufficient sleep.
Recognize these warning signs of teen suicide:
- Talking or writing about suicide or making statements, such as: “I’m going to kill myself,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.”
- Withdrawal from social contact.
- Mood swings.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation.
- Change from a normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns.
- Doing risky or self-destructive things.
- Giving away belongings without a logical explanation for doing so.
- Developing a personality change or being severely anxious or agitated when experiencing any of the above warning signs.
Pray and declare the above scriptures with your child so that their identity will be based on a solid foundation rather than peer pressure.
For more information, or if you need to talk with someone, contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741. Remember to tell your kids daily how much you love them and that they are never alone.
By Brenda George
