http://www.lds.org/ensign/1988/03/comment?lang=eng&query=chemical+imbalance+support
Suicide
Elder Russell M. Ballard’s article on suicide in the October 1987 issue of the Ensign struck home.
My sister committed suicide in 1974, and although I saw what it did to my parents, I, too, often thought of taking my own life.For years I suffered an undiagnosed chemical imbalance that sent my emotions on a roller-coaster ride at the slightest change of mood.
Even after I was diagnosed, I still had moments of despair that led to thoughts of taking my life. Still, I knew it was wrong, and I seriously tried to consider the ramifications of what I was considering.It was then that I began to ask the Lord:
“How can I bear this existence? Where can I find peace?”
I pleaded for months with him to call me home. I reasoned that if he would take me, I could find comfort beyond the veil but not be responsible for committing suicide. I explained this to him over and over.Finally, I received an answer to my prayers.
I did not hear a voice or see a vision, but following a priesthood blessing I felt a peace encompass me that gave me the knowledge I needed to continue living: Although my Heavenly Father loves me very much and looks forward to my being with him again, my life was not yet to be over. He needed me here. And to help me, he gave me a gift.
Whenever my moods plunge me into such a despair that death seems enviable, the peace and warmth I experienced following that priesthood blessing return and guide me through my dark and troubled time.I have a testimony now more than ever of our Father’s deep love for each of us.
No problem is too trivial to bring before him. I am eternally grateful for his patience with me as I continue to struggle to appreciate this life.
Name Withheld
As a mother whose teenage son tried to take his life a few months ago, I would like to support some of the things Elder Ballard said in his article on suicide.From what my son has told me, it wasn’t any one thing that led him to attempt suicide. Because of low self-esteem and the struggle he was having with school, he despaired at succeeding in life.
A mission was out of the question, in his mind, because he felt he could never learn to teach the gospel. When he tried to communicate these fears, no one really listened. We told him it was his duty to go on a mission and simply assured him he could do it.
These high expectations only added to his fear.His fear was compounded by loneliness. For a while, we lived in an area where there was no one our son’s age for him to associate with (another source of stress), but since he was a quiet boy, we didn’t worry.The experience has taught me some lessons I would like to share with other parents. Let your children know they are important to you.
Praise them for their accomplishments, no matter how small. Let them know they aren’t expected to be perfect, that some failures are a normal part of mortal life.If someone talks to you about taking his or her life, don’t ignore it. Talk to him. Let him feel that someone cares, and then get help—from a hospital, from a family crisis center, from the health department, from the police, from the Church.The main message I would give to parents is to listen to your children.
Try to feel what they are feeling. Ask questions so you really hear what they are saying. This takes time, but time may be running out for your child. You may not have another chance. I thank our Father in Heaven for another chance with my son.
Name Withheld