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Christianity + Mental Illness + Suicide = . . .

bondrou996

New Member
Hello

If one is suffering from an intractable lifelong mental illness, and it comes down to suicide being their only option in finding release or relief, will they be punished in the hereafter for taking their own life?
 

danieldemol

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Hello

If one is suffering from an intractable lifelong mental illness, and it comes down to suicide being their only option in finding release or relief, will they be punished in the hereafter for taking their own life?
Well since this is not in religions Q and A you'll get a range of non-christian responses (which I see as a good thing).

So here is my non-christian response;

No, God won't punish you for suicide, however your family and/or friends will miss you and may feel hurt.

Additionally it seems like a false dichotomy, for many people medications make their mental illness manageable enough for it to continue to be worth living.

Therefore I would suggest trying reaching out to a psychiatrist for help first before taking any extreme measures.

In my opinion.
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
I'm not a Christian but I believe that we're on Earth to serve a higher purpose. There's a prayer/round that feels right to offer

May the long time Sunshine
Call you.
All LOVE surround you
and the pure LIGHT within you
guide your way on.
 

VoidCat

Pronouns: he/him/they/them
Are you ok? This is your first post im concerned. Look I've been there. What country are you in?I could point you to services if you need them. If you don't want any at the very least my inbox is open we can chat
 

VoidCat

Pronouns: he/him/they/them
Are you ok? This is your first post im concerned. Look I've been there. What country are you in?I could point you to services if you need them. If you don't want any at the very least my inbox is open we can chat
Just so you know tho it's late where I'm at and I'll be going to sleep very very soon. But I'll answer as soon as possible when im awake any messages sent my way
 

Kenny

Face to face with my Father
Premium Member
Hello

If one is suffering from an intractable lifelong mental illness, and it comes down to suicide being their only option in finding release or relief, will they be punished in the hereafter for taking their own life?

I just would like to say that Jesus is there to help that person and deliver him. A horrible thing to live life with. Please seek some additional help
 

Brian2

Veteran Member
Hello

If one is suffering from an intractable lifelong mental illness, and it comes down to suicide being their only option in finding release or relief, will they be punished in the hereafter for taking their own life?

There are various views no doubt in the Christian community on this but nobody knows you except you and God and nobody can speak for God on how He will judge someone.
Feel free to open up a bit on this forum. People are usually understanding and helpful about such things.
 

RabbiO

הרב יונה בן זכריה
Hello

If one is suffering from an intractable lifelong mental illness, and it comes down to suicide being their only option in finding release or relief, will they be punished in the hereafter for taking their own life?
What prompted your post?
 

Brickjectivity

Turned to Stone. Now I stretch daily.
Staff member
Premium Member
If one is suffering from an intractable lifelong mental illness, and it comes down to suicide being their only option in finding release or relief, will they be punished in the hereafter for taking their own life?
An anhilationist Christian such as myself would say 'No.' A universalist would also say 'No'. So would a Quaker. Catholics -- not sure what they'd say. Some would say yes, some no.

Protestants would I think come from this position: If you believe that God punishes people forever in the afterlife, then yes; however there are caveats since the reason you kill yourself matters. It could be considered an accident or due to your mental illness. That is certainly what is the common answer from many groups which believe in eternal flames of torment. Yes, from what I have been taught. On the other hand many people in these groups will disagree about it. You won't find a unanimous point of view even among them.

It complicated by the fact that it is a mental illness. A mental illness causes people to do things that normally they would not, so the question has caveats. You could probably go to any church, not believe that suicide was an automatic hell ticket and still be accepted. You'd find disagreement from some, but it would not keep you out of membership in most churches.
 
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