Suicide

A woman who was rescued after attempting suicide said, "It seemed like a good idea at the time." But "suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems" (anonymous).

Thou shalt not murder

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

• §2280. Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
• §2281. Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.
• §2282. If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.
• §2283. 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.

Seeking wisdom

Before Vatican II, the Church's discipline was to prohibit funeral Masses and burial in Catholic cemeteries for those who murdered themselves. That discipline has been relaxed in recent times, but it some areas it has had deleterious effects: there seem to be a large number of copycat suicides inspired by the drama that arises from spending time remembering and mourning a previous victim of suicide.

The Church's treatment of suicide in the past was a way of teaching that suicide is wrong. The prohibition of Mass and burial was intended to dissuade people from seeing suicide as an option. It was directed to the living and was about their future choices, not necessarily a declaration that the deceased was in Hell. It is a kindness to the living to strengthen their resolve to choose life.

In those areas that are plagued by suicide among the young, something like the old practice may have to be re-instituted.

Statistics

ULifeline:

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, and the third leading cause among all people ages 15-24.
• Almost 10% of college students seriously consider attempting suicide.
• Among adults, 18-24 year-olds attempt suicide more often than any other age group.
• More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from all medical illnesses combined.
• Of the over 15 million college students in the U.S., an estimated 1,100 die by suicide each year (about 3 per day).
• Every 2 hours and 11 minutes, a person under the age of 25 dies by suicide.
• Factors that can trigger suicidal behavior in college students range from difficulties adjusting to a new environment; a lack of adequate social or coping skills; academic and social pressures; feelings of failure or decreased performance; a sense of alienation and lack of social support; or the onset of mental illness.

"Protecting Life by Recognizing and Responding to Signs for Suicide."

• 32,000 Americans die by suicide each year, a rate that surprisingly outnumbers homicide.
• 816,000 attempted suicides in the United States annually.
• Signs:

- preoccupation with death

- “I just want to sleep and never wake up.”

- feeling hopeless or worthless

- unusual visits or phone calls

- making arrangements and getting affairs in order

- giving away their personal belongings

- suddenly appearing happier and calmer

• Asking a person about suicide will not make him or her suicidal.

- Are you having suicidal thoughts?

- Do you have a plan for your suicide?

- Do you have access to the lethal means necessary to carry out that plan?

Help is available

Call for help yourself

If you have questions about how to help someone who may be suicidal (including yourself), call:

• 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433),
• 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255),
• or visit SuicideHotlines.com.
• Deaf hotline: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

QPR Institute

• Question the person about suicide.
• Persuade the person to get help.
• Refer them to people who can help.

Links

• "Outfoxing the Grim Reaper."
• "Western New York Suicide Prevention and Support."