Choosing Life: Finding Healing and Help When You’re Hurting

Trigger Warning: This post discusses suicide. If this is too much for you, please feel free to skip it or ease your way into it.

Hello, my ForevaBlack family, today’s topic is very heavy and a touchy subject. It's a difficult topic, but it’s too big for us to keep ignoring and looking over it. I want every individual out there to know, that there is help, there is hope, and there is healing. Suicide is real, and so many people suffer in silence thinking that there is no help and there isn’t another way out.  

In the African American community, we do not address this issue the way we should. Very often, we’re told to “be strong” or “pray it away” and yes God tells us in His word to pray about everything, and be anxious about nothing but what happens when an issue cannot just be instantly prayed away? I’m not saying stop praying and that God cannot do the impossible, but we must be realistic. God wants us to come to Him, but God also placed resources like therapy, crisis interventions, and the community as support systems. Seeking help is never a weakness, it makes you so strong to not suffer in silence and instead ask for the help you know you may need.  

I will say God is the number one person you should turn to for help and let everything else follow behind. In Jeremiah 29:11, it tells us that God has a plan for all of us... “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” That verse alone shows us God would never want our result to be suicide, He would never want us to take our own life because He has plans for us. Always know that God is still holding you and working things out on your behalf. Never give into the enemy lies, John 10:10 says “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The enemy does not want us to enjoy life how we are supposed to, he doesn’t want us to live but Jesus died for our sins for us to simply LIVE, not worry, and spread the Gospel.  

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts and wanting to give up, I have a few tips and advice for you guys; to begin, please speak up and ask for help. Tell someone you trust about how you are feeling, you don’t have to go through this alone. Secondly, seek professional help. I’ll place some numbers you or someone can call, if you are struggling and I also have a tab on my blog under resources where you can find a therapist. Also, try not to isolate yourself; depression thrives on silence. Depression wants you to be silent, the enemy wants you to be quiet and wants to isolate you so you begin to think there is no one who can help you. There’s always someone who can uplift you, mainly God... keep that prayer life going, God is always listening and watching. Lean on faith, talk to God; allow Him to help you, be raw and honest.

If you notice someone you know withdrawing, saying things they normally wouldn’t or talking about wanting to die... do NOT ignore it. Speak up and reach out, offer some support. And to end this off with so much love and reassurance, know that you are loved and needed. Your life has a purpose, you’re meant to be in this world. There is no shame in asking for help, I love you but remember God loves you more. 

Resources: 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 

Resource tab, scroll down and input zip code to find a therapist  

Scriptures: 

Psalm 34:17-18 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”