Suicidal: Conquering Holiday Depression

Preface

As I was preparing myself to spend Christmas Eve with my grandmother in the kitchen, I was led of the Lord to share this excerpt from my first ebook, “Encourage Yourself” on suicide, depression and the Holidays. As a mental health professional, I know for a fact that during this time of the year, depression is at an all-time high. Many people find themselves depressed during this season for many reasons, whether it is because of the thought of lost loved ones, economic hardships, unemployment, loneliness and so on.

Whether you are experiencing depression, have contemplated suicide or know someone who is depressed or suicidal, I pray this blog (which is also a personal testimony) is an encouragement. You really do have some to smile about, and something to live for!

LIVE!

Suicidal

Allow me to speak from heart for a minute. There is a lot I could say about this topic, but I do not feel the need to be long winded. This sort of topic requires that I get straight to the point. In short, if you’re reading this right now, you’re still alive. Because you are alive, you have destiny and you have purpose.

God has a plan for your life. It’s a good plan. According to Jeremiah 29:11, He is thinking good thoughts about you. His plan will give you hope, peace and prosperity.

No matter how bad it is right now, it isn’t over for you. If you can just get through this rough spot, you will be alright. We all have times where we feel overwhelmed by life and all of its problems. We feel worthless, like no one cares, like we’re all alone in this world. I want you to be encouraged today and know that God is with you and that He loves you.

Taking your own life won’t solve anything. You may feel that it can’t get any better and that you have no choice but to end it all. I want to minister hope to you today. I speak life to you. Don’t give up!

You may feel that your family and friends would be better off if your weren’t around. This is not true either. Your untimely death would devastate everyone who knows you! Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems. Once you do it, it’s done. There is no reversal or changing your mind. It is a final decision! Nothing that you are going through is worth taking your own life.

This subject is so taboo, especially among Christians, yet it is happening in our circles. It’s not only happening in the pews, it’s happening in the pulpit. Leaders and lay members alike are depressed and feel hopeless. We are in great company. Suicidal thoughts are common, especially for the great and gifted.

We see many examples of depression and feeling of hopelessness even in the Bible. One example I will use is Elijah. (See 1 Kings 19) He was so depressed that he ran and hid in a cave. He was running away from life and purpose. Not only that, but the Bible says that he wanted his life to be over. He got so discouraged that he wanted to end it all.

Elijah was a great man of God, and the thought crossed his mind, but he didn’t act on it. He got a word from the Lord. That’s what I want to give you today; a word from the Lord! It’s not over yet.

You’re just getting started. The best is yet to come! Lift yourself up. Encourage yourself. Put on your garment of praise today and it will lift the spirit of heaviness! Learn how to bless the Lord at all times, no matter what you are going through and you will make it out with your life and your sanity.

I have been where you are and I made it out alive. I have not only thought about taking my life before, but in 2008, I made an unsuccessful attempt by taking an overdose of a deadly mix of prescription pills and pain killers. YES I was in ministry and YES I was anointed, but I was suicidal and unable to cope with the stresses of life. I just wanted it to be over!

 There is no way that I should be alive in 2012 to type this, but I want to let you know that God blocked it and I am here today. I am a living witness (a living epistle) that there is abundant life ahead of you if you refuse to give up on yourself now.

I love my life and you should love yours too! Today, I’m living my dreams and walking in my destiny and purpose. You can’t pay me  to take my own life now! I like me! Now, my assignment is to encourage others to faint not.

I want to offer life to you today. The devil came to steal your life and to convince you that it’s not worth living. The Bible lets us know that Satan is the “Father of Lies”. That means that everything he has ever told you is a LIE. He has lied to you about your life and your future. He came to kill, steal and destroy, but Jesus came to give you life. Not just life, but abundant life! (John 10:10)

You have something to live for! God is not through using you and He’s not finished blessing you! Don’t give up. You can and you will make it! This holiday season, choose to focus on the positive areas of your life. Whatever you’re presently going through, know that it could be a lot worse. If you take an inventory of your life, you would see that you have a lot to be thankful for. Don't focus on the negative. Surround yourself with Scripture, positive people, and uplifting music.

One thing you can certainly be thankful for is that Jesus was born and died just for you. Because of his birth, life, death and resurrection, you and I have HOPE. That is what we celebrate during this season. We celebrate that no matter how bad our life is, Jesus is the answer and He came to heal all who are oppressed of the devil and to destroy the works of evil (1 John 3:8). He is the Prince of Peace and He promised that He would keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds stayed and focus on Him! (Isaiah 26:3)

You were not built to break. I decree and declare in the name of Jesus that you shall live and not die! May the joy of the Lord be your strength. Merry Christmas! If you don't get one gift tomorrow, you have the gift of LIFE. It's precious. Cherish it!

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." ~Romans 8:37

Clinical Addendum: If you are dealing with a family member who is suicidal, NOT talking about it does not make it go away. You must give those feelings and emotions a voice. Not talking about it only makes it worse. If talking about it does not help the situation to your satisfaction, PLEASE consult a professional!!!

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If you need further help and counseling, you may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Don’t be afraid or embarrassed about getting help!