Article June 12, 2006 Issue

WHEN FRIENDS CONSIDER SUICIDE

We can help each other find a life that's rich with promise.

BY TOM BLACK

THESE DAYS, many people know somebody who has at least talked about taking his or her own life. Studies show suicide is a common thought among teens, and just recently, a report said US military personnel are increasingly troubled by the problem.

A friend of mine wondered out loud the other day if death was a way out of her troubles. She was barraged by confusing questions about the future, by boyfriend problems, insecurities, tensions in her family, health issues. On and on.

It's natural to want to help people in these situations. And often we can. To be a helper is a talent we're all given. It's part of our makeup, like the lilt of our laugh and the sparkle in our eyes. It arises from the love God has put in our hearts. We may think we don't have that ability. But when we ask God to help us help others, He gives us just the right touch for the circumstances. We can help our friends by strengthening their natural conviction that death is no solution to life's problems.