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Report Card - August 2005 -
Suicide and Death |
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The Problem The LDS Family Services website located at ProvidentLiving.Org shares the following quote by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Suicide consists in the voluntary and intentional taking of one's own life, particularly where the person involved is accountable and has a sound mind. . . . Persons subject to great stresses may lose control of themselves and become mentally clouded to the point that they are no longer accountable for their acts. Such are not to be condemned for taking their own lives. It should also be remembered that judgment is the Lord's; he knows the thoughts, intents, and abilities of men; and he in his infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course" (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966],771). World Health Organization estimates 1 million people commit suicide in the world each year! American Association of Suicidology, estimates that in the United States there are slightly more than 30,000 suicides annually (83 suicides per day; or 1 suicide every 17 minutes), with 12 of every 100,000 Americans killing themselves. If one uses this national percentage for suicide completion to estimate the number of suicides among the 12 million church members, there would be about 1440 members of the LDS Church who successfully kill themselves annually! Just about everybody knows somebody who has committed suicide. LDS Resources The Foundation, with the help of Jaynann M. Payne, published the book: Where Is Our Hope for Peace?-- A resource for Families Coping with Suicide. |
This book is intended to help those struggling with the tragedy surrounding a suicide death. The book is 194 pages long and is available in paperback. This book includes contributions from Deanna Edwards, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and others.
The book guides the reader through the five phases of grief including: Denial and Shock, Anger and Blame, Guilt and Bargaining, Depression and Loneliness, and Acceptance and Hope in Christ. Personal stories of LDS Church members who have experienced a loved-one’s suicide are used to illustrate the healing process. Ideas for using music and other creative resources to cope with grief are also shared. The book is available at the Mental Health Bookstore. One of the most helpful discussions on the delicate subject of suicide was first published in the October 1987 Ensign in an article entitled "Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not" by Elder M Russel Ballard. Now adapted into book form, this message gives help and provides hope to those who' have felt the sting when a loved one or friend takes his or her own life. |
Elder Ballard's message is one of comfort and compassion. The reassurance that the Lord offers us indicates that even in such circumstances all is not lost. Other Resources Perhaps one of the best international resources for suicide information is the Befrienders International . This site is maintained by Samaritans. Its website services are available in 15 different languages, including English! Befrienders' centers work to prevent suicide worldwide with 31,000 volunteers in over 40 countries! The main goal of the centers is to give emotional support to people when they are suicidal. The centers also alleviate misery, loneliness, despair, and depression by listening to anyone who feels they have nowhere else to turn. The people who run the centers - befrienders - are volunteers who have all been specially trained. The work is non-political and non-religious, and volunteers do not try to impose their convictions on anyone. They simply listen. Any contact, whether by phone, email, or in person; that is made to a center is kept strictly confidential. Foundation Website The books “Where Is Our Hope for Peace? A resource for Families Coping with Suicide” and “Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not” can be a great comfort to a member of the church struggling with the tragic loss of someone dear. LDS, other Faith, General and many more resources are available on the Foundation's' website under the topic of Suicide and Death. |
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