Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and suicide rates have increased in almost every state since 1999 (some by more than 30%), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide occurs among all demographics and all religious groups. And behind the statistics are individuals–people who live in our families, communities and congregations and whose stories and relationships are unique and important.
Mindful of the lives affected, the ELCA adopted “Suicide Prevention,” a message that calls on members, congregations and leaders to learn more about suicide prevention and what they can do to help. The message calls us to this work as people of faith saying, “We who lean on God’s love to live are called to ‘bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ’ (Gal. 6:2). Our efforts to prevent suicide grow out of our obligation to protect and promote life, our hope in God amid suffering and adversity, and our love for our troubled neighbor.”
At the 2016 Churchwide Assembly, a social policy resolution advocating for suicide prevention research was adopted. Below is a list of resources members, congregations and faith leaders can use to learn more about suicide and how to prevent it.
Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry (suicidepreventionmninistry.org): With an inclusive and interfaith mission, the Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry’s goal is zero suicides for all people, regardless of beliefs. The website includes resources for congregations, clergy and leaders, including lists of trusted faith-based mental health organizations.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org): The Lifeline provides free, 24/7, confidential support for people in distress and advice for professionals. (800-273-8255)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org): The nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization provides information on warning signs and risk factors for suicide and resources for helping people with mental illnesses.
ELCA video message on suicide prevention (youtube.com/watch?v=JSjnigqS7sI): Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a message of hope, saying, “Suicide can be prevented. We are never beyond God’s mercy and compassion.”
National Suicide Prevention Organizations
American Association of Suicidology (AAS)
Phone 202-237-2280
Website www.suicidology.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Phone 888-333-2377
Website www.afsp.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Phone 800-826-3632
Website www.dbsalliance.org
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Phone 301-443-4513
Website www.nimh.nih.gov
Additional Resources for Dealing With Grief
“Transforming Traumatic Grief: Six Steps to Move from Grief to Peace After the Sudden or Violent Death of a Loved One” by Courtney Armstrong (Artemecia Press, 2011).
“Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body” by Peter A. Levine (Sounds True, 2008).
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk (Viking, 2014).