How can we save 607 people next year from suicide?

One of the best pieces of news to have been reported by the media has been the decrease for a second year in the rates of suicides in this country.

A recent article in the NZ herald reported in the past year nationally there was a drop from 628 to 607.

While we can celebrate the drop in numbers 607 lives lost is still quite disturbing.

Many organisations have been set up to provide aid for this area of health.

It’s a bit like a merry go round each year as we hear of the lack of funding provided for mental health, alternate governments continue to throw money at the problem but when you still see 607 people in this country opt out of life -then the money is not the answer.

I’m not a psychologist counsellor therapist or even in the medical field, but even I can see the issue.

For every person who has committed suicide there is just one common denominator.

Whatever the reason, thy have considered that their life is no longer worth living.

You may ask yourself, why is that?

Let me just share a couple of thoughts with you on the answer.

In today’s culture, there are many things in life which sets us apart things we are encouraged to achieve like the numbers of friends we have, our jobs, our income and the list-well it’s a long one.

But there is nothing on the list which should give us confidence in who we are.

Each and every one of us is unique, we are special, and we have been fearfully and wonderfully made by our creator.

There, right there in the first chapter of the bible is our answer.

In Genesis 1 we read So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

In Jeremiah for I know the plans I have for you,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Philippians 4 -God promises he will give us the strength to get through for us to conquer.

These are just some of the scriptures in the book of life – The Bible.

And yet we still see people especially young ones opting out.

Why remains the question.

Here is the answer in part.

Young people do not know God like we do.

Young people were taught as a part of the school curriculum about God, but not now.

They see church as an institution which should be consigned to history.

You see if they knew who God is.

If they knew they were made in his image.

They would know how special they are.

We can spend millions of dollars looking for the answers to suicide.

But if you look at the graphs over the years and look to where the increase started, I am pretty sure it will be obvious.

When God was taken out of the school curriculum.

When the internet along with social media came into this country you will see.

So, what can we do about it?

Proverbs 22: Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.

Deuteronomy 4 emphasises the need to Teach your children the way of the lord

 In the book of psalm, Isaiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, the book of Acts, Romans, Timothy, in fact all through the bible we are commanded to teach our children about God.

We need to make them know we love them.

We need to make them know GOD loves them.

We need to make them know they are special because God made them in his image.

We won’t, we can’t save everyone from committing suicide.

But we can try.  

If you are worried about your or someone else’s mental health, then you need to get some help.

Can I suggest prayer is always the answer but ensure you get help from your GP or local mental health provider?

However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

 WHERE TO GET HELP:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 or 09 5222 999 within Auckland (available 24/7)
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 ,free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.