Teens, Hopelessness and Suicide - Part 2

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;  my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.  Psalm 32:3-4
 
Psalm 42:5-6 and 2 Cor. 4:16-18 refer to thoughts of depression as well. There is no shortage of scriptural passages speaking to the issue of depression and suicidal ideations.  We, as humans, often feel lost, sad and hopeless.  These feelings are even more intense for teens.
 
 Suicides among young people continue to be a serious problem. Each year in the U.S. thousands of teenagers commit suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds (American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry).

 
There are a few aspects to consider.   Maybe they are struggling with emotional distress related to friends, parents, home life or just hormonal fluctuations.  What is going on spiritually, emotionally and physically?  It is not uncommon for grief or anxiety to be misdiagnosed as depression.  These are different issues and need to be addressed as so.  Depression that leads to suicidal ideations needs to be checked out from a medical perspective. 
 

1. Is there a physical reason the teen is feeling this way (thyroid issues, hormonal issues, serotonin issues)? 
2. This issue also has to be approached from a spiritual perspective.  Does the teen know Jesus as the healer of all things?  The Prince of Peace?  The God of Hope?  
3. Finally, looking at the issue from an emotional direction is always helpful.  This is always a spiritual issue as well.  Do they believe TRUTH about themselves and who they are in light of what God thinks about them?  Most of the time a teen is believing lies about himself or herself and God that lead to such despair.  Satan is the father of lies and seeks to destroy us with lies, but God is the God of truth and scripture say’s that the truth will set us free. 

 
Teens have to understand and believe what Psalm 139 says...  They are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God thinks more precious thoughts of them than are grains of sand on the beach.  God is trustworthy and will not leave them hopeless but will provide the ability to get through this difficult time.
 

If a child or adolescent says, "I want to kill myself," or, "I'm going to commit suicide," always take the statement seriously.  People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide is important. 

Be aware of your child’s emotional status and talk to them about where they are emotionally.  Teach them God's truth about themselves.  Give them hope in the midst of the storm and they will use it for a lifetime.
 

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Camper Corner
Hey Campers, know that...
You are adored by God.  Let Him love you.
Your value does not come from your circumstances but from God.
True Joy comes from the Lord, not how people treat you.
God will never leave you nor forsake you.  You are not alone.
 
 
You can check out Steve Leavitt's ministry, Hope For LIfe Ministry for any further information about Steve or for help with a depression, anxiety, or suicide related issue.