For those seeking help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides suicide prevention resources at suicide.lds.org.
A new video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps viewers see through the eyes of a young man struggling with suicidal thoughts brought on by the various stresses, pressures and expectations of life.
To overcome his pain, he chooses to tell family and friends about the dark burden within his soul. Healing doesn’t come easily — it is only after trusting those close to him, praying and consulting medical professionals that he finds hope to live.
“You can choose to stay too,” he says.
This video is one of several resources the Church has produced on suicide prevention in recent years and has been in the works for several months. Earlier this year, the Church released a series of hopeful videos that encourage Latter-day Saints to listen to and to love those considering suicide. More resources can be found at suicide.lds.org.
Michael Staley, the suicide prevention research coordinator with the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, said this new video is important because it shows suicide is multifaceted, complex and best prevented by engaging the entire community.
“No one issue causes a person to become suicidal or to take his or her life,” said Staley, who conducts psychological autopsies and other research on suicides in Utah. “It is important to engage our family, friends and neighbors wherever and whenever we have the opportunity, whether that's in our places of work, faith communities, schools or neighborhoods. We all have a part to play when it comes to preventing suicide. Saving and improving lives is work that transcends all boundaries."
The Church recognizes there are many different scenarios that can lead to suicide. Because not everyone has the support system of the young man in this new video, it is critical that each individual reach out in a spirit of love and listening to those close to them who are suffering. As Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said:
“We know from all the statistics out there that someone in the ward [congregation] is hurting. Someone is having suicidal thoughts in your ward. And as we come together as families, as churches, in a community, we can do better than we’re doing now. … Heavenly Father is pleased when we reach out and help His children. I think He’s profoundly pleased.”
Additional Newsroom Resources on Suicide Prevention Awareness
Church Joins National Weekend of Prayer for Faith, Hope, and Life
Reach Out in Love to Those Considering Suicide, Elder Renlund Says
Working Together to Reduce Suicide and Depression
Preventing Teen Suicide a Priority With Utah’s Community Leaders