Sadness and depression tend to lead us to isolate ourselves, all too often to irreversible choices. Life seems hopeless.
The following are facts on sadness and suicide, followed by personal stories of supernatural healing and restoration.
Some Facts on Sadness and Suicide
From NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness, February 22, 2023
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alarmingly illustrates the long-term mental health impacts COVID-19 is having on our nation’s youth.
According to the recently released data, in 2021:
- More than 4 in 10 students felt persistently sad or hopeless
- Nearly one-third of students experienced poor mental health
- More than 1 in 5 students seriously considered attempting suicide
- And 1 in 10 students attempted suicide
We also learned that some young people are struggling more than others:
- Nearly 3 in 5 teenage girls felt persistent sadness in 2021, with 1 in 3 girls reporting that they considered attempting suicide—up nearly 60% from a decade ago
- Nearly 3 in 4 LGBQ+ students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, with almost half of LGBQ+ students seriously considered attempting suicide and nearly 1 in 4 attempting suicide;
- And suicide rates for young Black people age 10-24 increased significantly between 2018-2021.
These numbers sound alarm bells around the urgent need to address the mental health crisis among our youth and the ongoing disparities in care delivery. And they remind us of the severe consequences that come from sustained isolation and stress.
From the CDC, August 10, 2023: Provisional Suicide Deaths in the United States, 2022
Today, CDC is releasing the latest provisional estimates for suicide deaths in the United States in 2022. After declining in 2019 and 2020, suicide deaths increased [by] approximately 5% in the United States in 2021. The provisional estimates released today indicate that suicide deaths further increased in 2022, rising from 48,183 deaths in 2021 to an estimated 49,449 deaths in 2022, an increase of approximately 2.6%. However, two groups did see a decline in numbers, American Indian and Alaska Native people (down 6.1%) and people 10-24 years old (down 8.4%).
“Nine in ten Americans believe America is facing a mental health crisis. The new suicide death data reported by CDC illustrates why. One life lost to suicide is one too many. Yet, too many people still believe asking for help is a sign of weakness,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Personal Testimonies of People Supernaturally Healed of Mental Illnesses
Linda Long, February 16, 2009: GodHealed me From Anxiety and Depression
- Paul, May 20, 2020: I am a faithful, dedicated, and serving believer in Jesus Christ who has struggled with mental illness, including self-worth and fear.
- Brooke Wilson, date unknown: How God Is Healing My Depression
- Woman in South Africa, January 8, 2018: Bipolar Overcome by His Love
- Teen Taylor, November 4, 2013: My Story of Overcoming Depression
Hope
“Anyone who is among the living has hope …” — Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV
The Lanterns of Hope Life Group serves to give hope to the hopeless, the suicidal, and the depressed. Jesus Christ is our healer. He has an excellent track record of healing hurting souls.
The joy of the Lord is my strength; he will be yours, too.
If you are a hurting homosexual, you are welcome.
The Life Group is open to all ages, married or single, students and adults.
Join me Saturday evenings in Room W304 of the Rockwall Campus of Lakepointe Church. The Life Group meets from 7:00 pm to 8:25 pm.
There is convenient parking on the second level of the westside parking garage. Enter the building, and follow the map below to the elevator. Go up to the third floor and find your way to Room W304, as shown on the map.
John White
Life Group Leader
John N. White 