There are alarming statistics about depression and suicide all over the world.
Globally, it is estimated that 300 million people are living with depression.
According to the World Health Organization, over 720,000 people die by suicide each year, accounting for about one in every 100 deaths globally.
Indeed, the incidence of depression and suicide is on the rise. However, as someone who has also undergone episodes of depression, I believe that both can be conquered with knowledge from the scriptures and a sagacious multi-pronged approach.
Here are ten tips I consider necessary to imbibe in order to conquer depressive inclinations and suicidal thoughts.
Let’s examine them.
#1. Understand That it Could Happen to Anyone
I was taken aback when I read in the Bible how Elijah the Tishbite fled fearfully into lonely places, just after calling down literal fire in a national spectacle.
Elijah was a great prophet who had just stirred up national revival. However, on hearing the threat of Jezebel, he was greatly unsettled and frightened.
To make matters worse, when he arrived the wilderness, he requested to die.
Scripture says, ‘He himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”’ (1 Kings 19:4 NKJV)
How does one say these, after calling down fire?
If a confrontational and powerful prophet like Elijah could think about ending it all, then, it can happen to anyone.
His story echoes loudly that: You are not as strong as you think.
Not even the best amongst us, is.
Moments and thoughts of despair and hopelessness can come to anyone, as long as we remain in this mortal frame.
The Bible makes it clear that; “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)
So, whenever you feel depressed or suicidal thoughts come, because of what you are going through, remember that challenges are common to all.
Don’t think it’s strange. You are not the first or the only person. Under certain circumstances, any of us, could struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Remind yourself that people have sailed through similar troubles – perhaps, even worse; God will make a way, and “this too shall pass”.
#2. Identify the Trigger
It’s important to understand that depression and suicidal tendencies often have a trigger. And when not attended to, it might progress dangerously, leading the person on a steep downward slope.
Different strokes for different folks, we always say. And that’s how it is with depression and suicidal triggers.
For some people, it is emotional and psychological. Feelings of intense guilt, shame, self-condemnation, failure, anxiety and all similar or related feelings.
For some others, it is life’s crisis and major setbacks such as death of a loved one, divorce, separation, or relationship breakdown, loss of a job or business, debts and financial mess, academic or career setbacks, public humiliation, serious disappointment and the like.
A social factor like loneliness and social isolation, bullying, harassment, rejection and all that can be the trigger for some people.
We can also talk about physical and medical factors as triggers in some people.
Talk of pregnancy, child birth, chronic pain, serious illness, agonizing disability, sleep deprivation, substance misuse (alcohol or drugs), certain mental health conditions and so on.
Some people’s case is that of traumatic experiences, such as abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), violence or assault, traumatic accidents, exposure to suicide in the family, among friends, or in the media.
The last category of triggers has to do with negative thought patterns that can fuel depression and suicidal thinking.
Having thoughts like: “Things will never get better”; “Nobody cares about me”; “My situation is hopeless”; “Others would be better off without me” and so on, are pessimistic thoughts focusing exclusively on present pain while losing sight of future possibilities.
Here’s the key: when you begin to notice that you’re no longer being yourself; you’re feeling weighed down and unhappy with negative feelings, that’s the time to sit back and have some sincere introspection to help you identify the trigger.
Identifying it, will help you to know how to engage the other measures I have highlighted and what to directly apply them on.
Get a pen and paper. Take a seat. Ask yourself, why am I feeling this way? What happened recently that has affected me deeply? What experience, interaction or encounter did I have that has kept me feeling negative?
Reflect on these and similar questions.
Be willing, sincere and diligent in the self-analysis.
Once you are able to identify the trigger(s), pen it down. Tell yourself this has to be nipped in the bud.
Go through all the other measures highlighted here and any others you know, match the ones that fit more appropriately in dealing with the trigger.
Then, get to work.
You’ll see tremendous changes.
#3. Read, Study and Meditate on God’s Word
In Colossians 3:16, the Bible says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…”
You see, getting the word to dwell in us richly and in all wisdom, requires a lot of reading, studying and meditating on scriptures.
This is where many of us fall short.
We are seldom committed to developing a culture and habit of commitment to God’s word to the extent that it dwells in us richly.
One of the benefits of engaging the Bible in reading, study and meditation, (as a way of life), is that your mind gets strengthened.
You’ll have enough content on your inside to defeat the arguments fueling depression, suicidal and other negative thoughts.
Look at Jesus. When the enemy came to him in the wilderness and was suggesting all kinds of stuff, he was countering each one as it came with the word of God that was already dwelling in him.
The word of God gives unrivalled wisdom and insights for life. When you engage it well enough, your outlook to life, your estimation of yourself, your worldview and mindset will surely be affected.
The word of God will impact your philosophy to the point that depression and suicide cannot be accommodated in your thoughts or imagination.
Furthermore, apart from cultivating consistent word-engaging habits, you can also specifically confront suicidal thoughts when they come by doing any of these three things:
One, search the word of God directly for what it says and promises regarding your situation that’s making you depressed or suicidal. For instance, what’s in the word of God for me about coming out of debt? This will enlighten and guide you.
Two, find and read the accounts of Bible characters who experienced great difficulties, yet pulled through without plunging into depression or going the way of suicide. A classic example is Job. This will comfort and encourage you.
Three, find, read and meditate on scriptures about overcoming challenges and difficulties. This will reinvigorate and sustain you.
I’ll give you an example.
Consider a scripture like Psalm 34:29-20 (KJV): Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Read it again.
How many afflictions did it say He will deliver him from?
All.
Isn’t that a powerful scripture for any believer facing difficulties?
In my moments of distress, it is one of the scriptures I anchored my soul on.
If you read, study and meditate on God’s word sufficiently; and you put your hope and trust in Him and His word, no suicidal thoughts or tendencies will survive your fire.
#4. Read, Recount and Reflect On Stories of People who Overcame Life’s Difficulties
In dealing with depression and suicide, one of the key weapons to have is a strong mind.
A renewed, open and healthy mind can be resilient enough to shut down the voice of suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
One of the ways to develop such a mind is by consuming materials that document stories of people who endured great challenges (that were strong enough to push them towards depression and suicide) but overcame.
When you read and reflect on biographies and anecdotes of historical figures and contemporary people who had ‘sufficient’ reasons to end their lives but did not, you will find great motivation not to tow that path.
Abraham Lincoln, had major consecutive setbacks that could have made most people today to be depressed and think about suicide but he didn’t. Eventually, he went on to become the 16th American president.
In contemporary times, Nick Vujicic, born without hands and legs, actually attempted suicide as a child, after severe emotional distress arising from bullying, deep depression and hopelessness.
He stopped contemplating suicide and has gone on to live an incredible life, becoming a global Christian and motivational voice and having a lovely family.
Helen Keller, Joni Eareckson Tada, Stevie Wonder and Cobhams Asuquo are a few other examples of inspirational figures who chose life rather than death when major crises came their way.
Alongside the word of God, pondering on such stories of resilience and survival (even from random or less-famous people today) will help to strengthen your mind daily against the tendency of depression and suicide.
#5. Declare the Word of God
There is power in declaring God’s word; especially when you do so with confidence and with much assurance.
There’s an inner strength it furnishes with. There is an energy it drives; an inspiration it provides and a hope it sustains.
That’s why God charged us, that the book of the law must not depart out of our mouths. (Joshua 1:8)
Memorize the word of God copiously – especially, scriptures about triumph, joy, peace, God’s love, a bright future, advancement and success; and true identity in Christ.
Make a list of them.
Personalize them.
Stand before the mirror, declare them powerfully.
Declare them freely during the day, declare them strongly in the night. You will see great changes in and around you; and the pressure of depression and suicidal thoughts will vanish.
#6. Speak Words of Affirmation Repeatedly
In the battle against depression and suicidal thoughts, there is also the need for speaking, confessing and declaring words of affirmation again and again.
Words of affirmation are not necessarily verses of scripture; although they may derive from or be mixed with scripture
They are statements, confessions and declarations you make in line with your understanding of, and conviction about who you really are, where you are going to in the journey of life and who you envision to become.
In other words, it is you telling yourself the great and positive things you know and believe about yourself.
Words of affirmation could also include general inspiring and motivational truths and realities which you personalize and take personal.
Putting it all together, for instance, you can write an affirmation like this:
I am made for exploits; I am designed for impact; I am focused, strong and visionary; I can’t be distracted, I won’t be weighed down. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. I am a tough person, I will outlast and outlive every challenge on my way. I will get to my destination.
You see, it’s really good. And it works!
Write out your own affirmations. Add that to your battle strategy; depression and suicide will flee from you.
#7. Sustain a Life of Prayer, Fasting and Gratitude
There’s a profound scripture I found in Philippians 4:6-7.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)
The point here is this, when issues that are able to get you anxious come or persist, don’t respond naturally with anxiety, switch to prayer and thanksgiving.
In the words of Apostle Arome Osayi, “the same problems that make you anxious, should be the reason you pray”.
The caveat is, making that switch may not be that easy, if you have not been given to prayer.
That’s why cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, fasting and gratitude is important.
Cares of life, burdens and pressures, when overwhelming, can lead to anxiety, despair, depression and hopelessness. Before you know it, suicidal thoughts can also begin to creep into your mind.
However, with prayer and gratitude, you will surely have the upper hand.
Depending on the force of the suicidal thoughts and the mountains confronting you, you may need to intensify your prayers with fasting and persistence. In any case, you will win in the end.
Pray, pray and pray again. The incomprehensible peace of God will fill your mind. The joy of the Lord will be your strength and there will be victory!
#8. Avoid Enabling Environment and Company
Depression and Suicidal suggestions often require an enabling environment to be sustained and eventually happen.
There are certain kinds of company one will keep that will not only enhance depression but will also incubate the idea of suicide and ultimately make it inevitable.
While you are trying to deal with depression and suicidal thoughts, avoid exposure to and consumption of any media that enhances self-destruction, loneliness, despair and the like.
You should also avoid environments where there is access to harmful means.
Stay away from any company (including physical and online avenues) that fuels hopelessness, despair, pessimism, low self-esteem and low self-worth. Watch the pages you follow online and the kind of posts you read. Check the movies you watch and the videos you see on YouTube.
Strive to create the atmosphere (and surround yourself more with a company) that promotes, joy, peace, hope, optimism, happiness, faith and solutions.
Think about the (emotional) stress, trauma and pain your loved ones will go through when you are depressed or end your life; and be determined not to bring such upon them. Let that be a motivation for you.
Above all, keep yourself and your thoughts, within a company that fuels positive thinking.
Scriptures say in Philippians 4:8 (NIRV), “Always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things.”
Get these done and see the depression tendency and suicidal thoughts fade away.
#9. Talk to a Friend
One thing that kills people very fast, is keeping things to oneself – especially such that one can no longer handle alone.
Why are you keeping to yourself when you are actually being eaten up? Why keep fire in your bosom only to explode in destruction afterwards?
Every nagging problem or danger you keep quiet about, continues to gain ground within you and your space and becomes more difficult to deal with.
Being secretive and silent about what is tormenting you inside, empowers it more to damage and destroy you.
Don’t die in silence. Ventilate! Voice out!
Once you notice the angulation towards depression and suicidal thoughts, talk to a friend – a trusted one. Talk to a mature fellow who can understand you and offer real help. Seek a mental health professional; speak to a counsellor. Just reach out.
In Proverbs 17:17, Scripture says, “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
This makes it clear that in times and moments, when you have things to deal with, you’ll need a brother; you’ll need a friend. That’s why they are there. One should be there always, the other shows forth more in adversity.
Your own responsibility is to reach out and take advantage of that provision of genuine folks.
#10. Bind the Evil Spirit
Sometimes, the devil can take advantage of a trigger to sow a seed of depression and suicidal intent.
Sometimes also, thoughts are purely demonically inspired, without necessarily acting on a trigger – more like an attack.
In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Scripture affirms that, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
Here’s the catch: if we have to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, it means that, not all our thoughts are sponsored by the Spirit of God, and in submission to Christ.
There are those sponsored by our minds and filthy spirits. And these, especially the latter which do not align with the Lord, are to be brought under control.
Such thoughts are to be brought into submission, under the government of the Christ.
And how is this done?
By taking authority over the thought(s) and the demonic influence through a vocalized command.
Speak against the thoughts! Bind the thoughts! Bind the evil spirit!
They will disappear.
Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. That’s what the word of God says in James 4:7.
And if he comes again, being a tenacious monster, you bind him again and again, until he is completely shut out on that matter, just like Jesus did when he was tempted.
Exercise your authority in Christ and see how the depressive feelings and suicidal thoughts completely abandon you for good.
Do you know any other tips for conquering depression and suicidal thoughts? Kindly share in the comments.
If you enjoyed reading this post and found it valuable, kindly share, so some others may benefit from it too.
See Also
Why Some Difficulties Are Good for You
Obedience: God’s Greatest Love Language
33 Scriptures to Speak Over Your Life Daily
What it Really Means to Forgive and Forget
Scriptures That Helped Me in My Waiting Period
12 Things to Look Out for When You Read the Bible
Why God Confused the People’s Language at Babel
Did Jesus Really Die in Jerusalem as He Said He Would?
Stand On What God Says; Even if You Are Standing Alone
Scriptures That Will Help You Find Peace in Difficult Times
6 Things Every Christian Must Know About the Call to Serve
Why You Must Marry Right if You Have a Kingdom Assignment
Why a Good God Allowed Evil Befall His Beloved: The Curious Story of Job
Ogaga Eruteya is a Nigerian Christian minister, writer and speaker. He writes on Faith, Personal Development, Youth Development, and Life Realities. With his words, he seeks to inspire, motivate, propagate life’s truths and represent a sincere Christian voice. Learn more about Ogaga here.