In the book "The Problem of Pain", C.S. Lewis wrote about a note from his physician who said "Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases its burden: it is easier to say 'My tooth is aching' than it is to say 'My heart is broken'. "
This week I found myself helping a friend who helped me greatly in my life. I did not expect a call with a disclosure of suicidal thoughts as I am preparing to speak about suicide on Saturday. If this call had been received a week ago, I would not have been equipped to help my friend. What do you say to someone in a different country with these thoughts? I didn't want to say the usual things like "Don't do it" and panic. What I wanted to come out of me was compassion, love, sit with my friend and help with a shift in heart, spirit and mindset. God helped us. One day later a big shift took place and I heard my friend laughing in that unique happy, overflowing with joy laugh that I longed to hear.
I had no idea why in prayer, God directed me to speak about this topic. I found it bizarre. This is how God works: He knew what was going to happen and who my friend would call. Thank God I answered the phone and was prepared to apply what I am learning to save this precious life. I don't remember having any training on supporting someone who is suicidal. Isn't this something we ought to know because we never know when we'll be faced with it. Helping someone can start with a conversation, so please join me this Saturday November 20th at 9 am Eastern Standard Time for Let's Talk About Suicide. RSVP at info@riselfurtado.com for the Zoom link.
Risel your article on suicide was very good and beautiful. It is so true that we have a much easier time to talk about physical pain than emotional. I know even when I am emotional I am tentative to speak out! Its a fear of letting it show and then not being loved!