This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Struggling with Life ¶
Life is a delicate balance of good and bad days, and we all struggle with something. However, when life becomes unbearable, we tend to ask the importance of life and where to turn when feeling hopeless.
Five suicide deaths are reported every day in Central Kenya, with Nyeri County estimated to lose at least 120 people per month to self-murder. This has prompted county commissioners to ask church leaders to intervene, calling for aggressive counseling of residents, particularly men.
Religion's Stand on Suicide ¶
But what does religion teach about suicide? The question becomes even more poignant when a pastor and mental health advocate, Jarrid Wilson, took his life on September 9, 2019, after officiating the funeral of another suicide victim. Before his untimely demise, Wilson tweeted that loving Jesus doesn't always cure suicidal thoughts.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure suicidal thoughts. Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure depression. Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure PTSD. Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure anxiety. But that doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t offer us companionship and comfort. He ALWAYS does that. — Jarrid Wilson (@JarridWilson) September 9, 2019
As government leaders turn to the church for help, what happens when a pastor and mental health advocate commits suicide? Let's explore what different religions teach about suicide.
Islam's Perspective ¶
According to a study, Muslims often associate suicide with the sins of drinking and gambling, which further complicates the issue. The Quran emphasizes the importance of trusting God, having faith in His mercy, supporting the family, and having patience. Despite this, Muslims generally do not condemn the individual who dies by suicide, believing that death is a personal matter between the victim and God.
The Catholic Church's Teachings ¶
The Catholic Church teaches that everyone is responsible for their life before God. Suicide contradicts the natural inclination to hold onto life and violates natural law. However, in 1983, the Roman Catholic Church removed suicide from the list of mortal sins, acknowledging that grave psychological disturbances can diminish the responsibility of the person who dies by suicide.
Science's Approach ¶
Science approaches suicide as a mental illness, with mental health professionals working to save individuals from succumbing to self-murder. At the time of suicide, mental illness is often present, ranging from 27% to 90%. In rural areas, where suicides are more rampant, few people seek help from medical centers when it comes to mental illness.
Medicine's Role ¶
After diagnosis, doctors can prescribe medication to individuals, which plays a key role in the treatment of co-occurring disorders. Medications can reduce symptoms, prevent relapses, and help patients minimize cravings and maintain abstinence from addictive substances.
