‘One more death is one too many’

John Gibson and Murdo Macdonald offer a Christian understanding of suicide.

How did you feel when you read that? A gut-wrenching pain because suicide has impacted your family, a colleague or a friend? Or palpitations as you realise that suicidal thoughts or ideations have been loitering in your mind, now or previously? Or maybe as a Christian you have a sense of panic about the church’s view of suicide or your own theological perspective on this toughest of subjects, or simply groan internally as you are confronted with yet another too-difficult subject to be consigned to the “for another day” pile?

Articles on suicide always begin with statistics, which may not be very helpful as these stark numbers add little to any understanding of the personal pain behind every suicide. There were 753 probable suicides registered in Scotland in 2021 (a decrease from 805 in 2020), and approximately 75% were male.

Suicide is a hugely complex subject. Professor Rory O’Connor, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Glasgow, is one of the foremost international researchers into suicide behaviour. In his book, When it is Darkest, he describes a model of suicidal behaviour which involves possible factors in the background of someone who dies by suicide, alongside the factors which might contribute to suicidal thoughts and acts.

“ Articles on suicide always begin with statistics, which may not be very helpful as these stark numbers add little to any understanding of the personal pain behind every suicide."

It is very clear that no one factor causes someone to take their life.

He also talks about the myths that surround suicide: discounting these myths may help us all to move forward together in our grief and mourning. These myths include the idea that those who talk about suicide are not at risk of suicide, and that all suicidal people are depressed or mentally ill. He also discounts the ideas that only people of a particular social class die by suicide, or that people who attempt suicide by low-lethality means are not serious about killing themselves. Let it be emphasised that these are myths about suicide, which need to be challenged.

It is estimated that up to 16% of adults have experienced suicidal thoughts at some stage in their lives, with this increasing to 20% of young Scottish adults (18-34 years old). So, thinking about suicide is not rare but, importantly, there is no evidence that talking openly about suicide to someone (and asking specifically about any intentions or plans) promotes that idea and indeed it is likely to have some protective effect. We need to learn to talk openly about suicide and suicide prevention.

We also need to understand that use of language matters. The term ‘committed suicide’ dates back to when suicide was illegal. Suicide was decriminalised in England in 1961, but often the term ‘committed suicide’ persists. If you find yourself using that term, please do think about using an alternative, kinder phrase such as ‘died by suicide’ - a small point, perhaps, but so helpful to those in the suicide community trying to find a path forward.

It appears that the majority of people who die by suicide have, at some stage, experienced psychological challenges. However, increasing numbers of suicides appear to be ‘spontaneous’ (ie where there is no obvious history of psychological disturbance), so it seems that our approach to preventing suicide needs to change with open discussion in schools, colleges, universities and workplaces about suicide and, most importantly, about suicide safety planning. This new concept of safety planning is evidence-based and opens up discussion about what to do if you find yourself at some point with suicidal thoughts – something that affects one in five young Scottish adults.

What about Christian theology and understanding around suicide? Is suicide more common or less common in communities of faith? It must be helpful to delve into the Scriptures to find some understanding theologically, and from a Christian world-view, about suicide. What about Paul’s reflections in Philippians 1: 21-24? “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Paul is sure that Heaven is where he wants to be but understands that the fledgling church needs him to stay. Is his statement that the choice of staying or going could be a moment of suicidal crisis? Or is “longing for Heaven” different from a suicidal crisis?

Historically, most Christians have a sense that suicide is wrong, possibly even sinful, with this being based, perhaps, on the story of Judas Iscariot – cast as the villain who hanged himself, (Matthew 27:5). But, Judas is not the only suicide in the Bible – there appear to be six other documented suicides, all of them in the Old Testament: Abimelech (Judges 9: 54); Samson (Judges 16: 30); Saul (1 Samuel 31: 4); Saul’s armour-bearer; (1 Samuel 31: 5); Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17: 23) and Zimri (1 Kings 16: 18.)

The Roman Catholic Church has discussed suicide more than any other Christian denomination: historically, suicide has been considered by the Roman Catholic Church as a mortal sin. However, in recent years they have moved towards a gentler understanding.

To consider suicide a sin seems to be out of keeping with our biblical understanding of God and the forgiveness given by Christ on Calvary that someone in their toughest, lowest moment (perhaps after a prolonged period of depression, chronic pain, or through poverty) would not receive forgiveness, love and understanding from the King of Kings.

These are tough days for many of us: please be in touch if this article has raised any issues for you. The Canmore Trust (SC051511) – a charity set up by the Gibson family in early 2022 - receives multiple contacts daily from individuals seeking help for themselves, family members of colleagues struggling with the sudden challenge of suicide – suicidal thoughts or active planning. This is a shocking moment for anyone and, despite government and charity sign-posting to many resources, people often have no idea where to turn to for help. One more death by suicide is one death too many, and one more family shattered by the carnage of a suicide death is one too many. The Canmore Trust can be contacted on the.canmore.trust@btinternet. com and has a 24/7 texting service for those affected or challenged by suicide – text CANMORE to 85258. The Samaritans will always offer a listening and helpful ear: call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. Please stay safe and stay well. ¤

John Gibson lost his 24-year-old son, Cameron, to suicide in October 2019. Since then, he has volunteered in the suicide community with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (England and Wales Charity No. 1098815 and Scottish Charity No. SC041397) and The Canmore Trust (SC051511). He is passionate about suicide prevention and also suicide postvention care.

Dr Murdo Macdonald is Policy Officer in Society, Religion and Technology (SRT) with The Church of Scotland. He is an active supporter of The Canmore Trust and its work.