What does the Bible say about suicide and depression?
The Bible mentions several instances of suicide, but does not give any specific laws about it. However, there are several passages that indicate life is given by God and only God has the right to take it away. For example:
"I came naked from my mother's womb," he said, "and I shall have nothing when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and they were his to take away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." (TLB, Job 1:21)
More specifically, God has given life to each of us to do his work on Earth. Our bodies belong to God, not to ourselves. So, it is up to Him to decide when our work on Earth is finished, not up to us:
Haven't you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it. (TLB, 1st Corinthians 6:19-20)
Life has its ups and downs, and the down times are only temporary, even though it may not seem that way. Often, the hard times in our lives, when things seem hopeless, are really opportunities to learn valuable lessons such as humility, dependence on God, the value of prayer, or to learn how to help others who are suffering. In times when things seem the worst, we can be sure that God loves us more than ever.
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV, Luke 12:6-7 )
"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. "Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (NAS, Matthew 7:8-11)
People often wonder if a person who dies from suicide can be saved and get to heaven, but the Bible does not say anything about this. Most Christians believe what matters most to God is how a person lives his life rather than how he or she dies.
Depression
Most thoughts of suicide are caused by the disease clinical
depression. Depression was not recognized as a disease in Biblical times,
so there are no direct references to it in the Bible. However, depression is a physical illness that can usually
be treated with medication and/or counseling to prevent recurrence.
Anyone having thoughts of suicide should promise himself or herself not to take any action until discussing it
with a minister, priest, school guidance counselor, physician, psychologist or psychiatrist. All these people understand
depression and despair and how to work through it to become an even stronger and happier person than before.
Here is some information from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention:
Depression is a potentially serious, but highly treatable medical illness. It is not a personal weakness or a punishment for bad behavior. Most cases of depression can be successfully treated on an outpatient basis with prescription drugs and/or counseling.
The symptoms of depression are listed below. If you, or someone you care about, has been experiencing several of these symptoms that have lasted for more than two weeks, it is important to seek help right away. Go to an emergency room or crisis center if the situation is severe. Family physicians, psychiatrists and some other mental health professionals are qualified to treat depression.
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:
Free help resources:
If you, or someone you care about, is thinking about suicide, it is important to seek help right away. The resources listed below can help you to help yourself or help someone else. Many of them provide free referrals, help and advice, or just somebody to talk to if you are feeling down.