Suicide

There is great confusion about the Catholic Church’s beliefs about suicide. Below you will find the Catholic Church’s understanding about suicide. Please read all of them because without all of them you will not see the full picture.

The authoritative Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2280-2283) makes the following points about suicide:
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."



Suicide Resources:

In the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 10 and 24. Approximately 4500 young lives are lost each year to suicide and many more survive a suicide attempt.

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have information on risk factors, warning signs, and what to do if you think someone is considering suicide.
To Write Love on Her Arms—from their website: “To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also invest directly into treatment and recovery.”
Check out the National Institute of Mental Health for more information on depression and other mental illnesses that affect teens and adults.

Article on Suicide: http://www3.acep.org/patients.aspx?id=36758
Highlights- Predictors, Steps to take is someone is suicidal, Warning signs

Warning signs of suicide include:

• Feeling depressed, down or excessively sad.

• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or having no purpose in life, along with a loss of interest or pleasure in doing things.

• A preoccupation with death, dying or violence, or talking about wanting to die.

• Seeking access to weapons, medications or other means of killing oneself.

• Wide mood swings (feeling extremely “up” one day and terribly “down” the next).

• Feelings of great agitation, rage or uncontrolled anger, or wanting to get revenge.

• Changes in eating and sleeping habits (including sleeping too much or too little).

• Changes in appearance, behavior or personality, including withdrawing from family members and friends or suddenly becoming outgoing when the person is typically shy.

• Risky or self-destructive behavior, such as taking illegal drugs or driving recklessly.

• Sudden calmness (when the person had made the decision to end his or her life).

• Life crises, traumas or setbacks (including difficulties at school, work or in relationships; job loss; divorce; death of a loved one; financial difficulties; diagnosis of a terminal illness).

• Putting one’s affairs in order — including giving away belongings, visiting family members and friends, drawing up a will or writing a suicide note.

Ten warning signs of suicidal behavior: http://www.conqueranxietyanddepression.com/Depression/Suicidal_Behavior.html


Places that provide therapy for youth:

Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center- http://www.dmpcc.org/


New Heights Counseling- http://www.newheightscounseling.org/

Catholic Charities- http://www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-charities.cfm
This website is under construction so it may be best to call. 515-244-3761


If you have a young person that you suspect is suicidal don’t hesitate to get them professional help.