Hi everyone, it’s Angel again! As we come to the close of this month I asked my dad if I could write to you about something serious. This month of September is National Suicide Prevention Month. I did some reading and I found out that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming, in 2020, the lives of roughly 45,000 people. Those are some high numbers!

There are certainly many factors, many reasons, that someone might contemplate suicide and there is an important and necessary distinction that we must always remember. Though the taking of any life, even one’s own is a sin, we must also remember that we rely on the mercy & love of our God & that the thoughts of suicide are often brought about by grave fear, psychological disturbances, situations and circumstances that often leave the person unable to see a way out. As the Catechism says, “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (#2283).

So, what can we do? How can we help? One thing that we can do is to learn some of the signs that someone who might be contemplating suicide might display and then pay attention to those around us. I’ve gotten to know some of the signs of when my dad is stressed & when I see those I love to jump up on his lap & give him some love. All of us, too, can pay attention to the people around us. Paying attention, not just for the signs of those who might be contemplating suicide, but to everyone. And when we notice something that “doesn’t seem right,” don’t hesitate to say something. Sometimes an “Are you ok?” or “Is there anything that I can do to help?” can let those who are struggling know that someone cares. We can listen with empathy to those who are struggling, rather than jumping in with solutions right away or telling someone that “It’ll be ok” (which it very well might be) the person might have a hard time believing that at the moment. More than likely what will help most is someone offering, not solutions (that time may come) but accompaniment, someone to be there with them, rather than someone who just jumps right in and tries to solve their problems.

Let’s continue to pray for those who are struggling in this life and for the ways that we might be able to be a sign of God’s presence to those in need! Have a blessed week!