Does religious faith prevent suicide? [Spirituality & Religion]

First off, I am NOT SUICIDAL!!

I only ask this because I just saw an old video (like 2002) of a "SSRI-induced-suicide" lawyer named Andy Vickery show a diagram to an audience, titled "suicide prevention", which he said showed that a religious faith is a major preventative measure against suicidal thoughts.

Andy Vickery is a lawyer for SSRI & psych-drug-induced suicides.

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Bushranger · 70-79, M

As with many things, it is complicated. Some studies, such as https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4990512/ show a link between religious observance and suicide, although it needs to be pointed out that the participants were all suffering from depression which can lead to self-isolation. However, others such as https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170628102328.htm appear to suggest that the effect can also be regional. As I said, complicated.

Social support is seen as important in moderating suicidal attempts, eg, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1054139X14006946, so there is no reason to think that membership of any social group, including religious groups, wouldn't assist in reducing suicide ideation or attempts.

SameSame · 26-30, F

I don't know, but I think there are some very real benefits to having faith and, in particular, participating in organized religion. Your church is a community, and people generally feel happier and healthier when they take part in a supportive community. (Of course, there are exceptions, but I'm just speaking generally here.)

Given that, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that religious faith is a preventative measure against suicidal thoughts. Although, in this context, it wouldn't be religious faith so much as "feeling a part of a supportive community."

canusernamebemyusername · M

@SameSame Yeah. Most of the people I have known being suicidal are people that have been hated by their fellow religious followers. The ostracized. But community is def a helpful preventive.

SameSame · 26-30, F

@canusernamebemyusername Yeah, there are definitely some churches that are far from supportive. And there are some Christians who are resentful and hypocritical. But, speaking anecdotally, I think they're the exception to the rule.

Even so, those are people you'd want to stay far away from, especially if you're prone to suicidal thoughts. Given the choice between no church and a crappy church, you're better off with no church.

canusernamebemyusername · M

@SameSame 👍️ You put it in good words.

latinbutterfly · F

It depends on how strong that faith is. Is it faith in oneself to overcome it, or is it also faith in God? No one can overcome an obstacle on their own, but with the help of the Father in heaven. I wished I had told my friend that 21 years ago, before she took her own life.

canusernamebemyusername · M

Wow. Nope It is not a deterrent at all. In fact why stay alive when this isn't the end?

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DR8855 · 41-45, M

@SW-User It's too bad I can't link Andy Vickery's video... But I was just struck by it's rare wisdom.

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FreestyleArt · 31-35, M

Jesus is the truth and the way. Religion is for the Gods of confusion to mankind

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