In the book
Waking Up, Alive Psychology professor Heckler interviewed 50 attempted suicides for this study of the process of emotional recovery in those who have attempted to kill themselves.
The book lists many reasons for the descent into what the book calls the suicidal trance. But one reason is being a cultural outcast or being alienated by others or self.
One example is the LGBT community who has a 3x higher rate of suicide. Of course, this is only one factor of alienation.
A complex combination of factors can impact youth health outcomes. LGB youth are at greater risk for depression, suicide, substance use, and sexual behaviors that can place them at increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).3 Nearly one-third (29%) of LGB youth had attempted suicide at least once in the prior year compared to 6% of heterosexual youth.
- CDC Kann L, Olsen EO, McManus T, et al.
Sexual Identity, Sex of Sexual Contacts, and Health-Related Behaviors Among Students in Grades 9-12 – United States and Selected Sites, 2015. MMWR Surveill Summ 2016; 65(9): 1-202.
So let us discuss the most productive ways to speak on sin but not be a contributing factor towards those who feel suicide may be their best option.