Best LDS Resources to Help with Suicide
The rising suicide rate is an issue of great concern. Life is a precious gift from God and each suicide is a tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to all who are affected by this serious concern. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to “mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9).
The following is a curated list of the very best LDS resources that may help you understand how to minister to those who have thoughts of suicide or who are grieving a loss. If you find other resources you think we should list here, please post a comment below.
Pages on ChurchofJesusChrist.org about Suicide
I Need Help
I am having thoughts of suicide or I have made an attempt.
I'm Worried about Someone
I am worried about someone and want to help.
"Suicide Prevention and Ministering" Church Website
Suicide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org has helpful awareness and prevention resources for individuals and leaders.
Gospel Topic about Suicide
Gospel Topic from LDS.org explains what Latter-day Saints believe about suicide and has links to resources to learn more.
Counseling Resources for Church Leaders
Counseling and ministering helps for LDS leaders and ward council members at CounselingResources.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Videos about Suicide
Watch videos from the Church’s Gospel Media library about suicide
Suicide Risk for LGBTs
Gay individuals may be at higher risk for depression or suicide. See the “Same-Sex Attraction” on the Church’s website.
Videos About Suicide: Playlist on Mormon Channel
Videos from Elder Dale G. Renlund, Sister Carol F. McConkie, a woman who found hope after surviving a suicide attempt, and a father who endured the suicide of his son away at college. (Videos play one after another in succession.)
I Have Lost Someone by Suicide
I have lost a loved one by suicide.
Magazine Articles about Suicide
Articles from the Liahona, For the Strength of Youth, and Friend magazines.
Videos about Suicide
Watch videos for Church leaders and members about suicide
Preventing Suicide and Responding after a Loss
Church Guide reviews doctrine, warning signs, how to help someone in crisis, and how to respond after a suicide loss.
Articles on LDS365.com about Suicide:
New LDS Video “Choose to Stay” Gives Hope to Those Considering Suicide
A new video from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives you a glimpse through the eyes of a young man struggling with suicidal thoughts brought on by the stresses, pressures, and expectations of life. “I tried to smile and hide my darkness. I remember...
Suicide: Myths and Facts
The article "Suicide: Myths and Facts" in the September Ensign helps us challenge myths about suicide and be better prepared to reach out to those who may need help. Did you know the following are all myths? Most suicides happen suddenly, without warning. If my child...
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Over 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year. In the United States, suicide rates have surged to the highest levels in nearly 30 years, with increases in every age group. As part of ongoing efforts...
LDS Guide “Preventing Suicide and Responding after a Loss”
As part of ongoing efforts to help prevent suicide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a notice to all leaders worldwide inviting everyone to “take an active role within their communities to minister to those who have thoughts of suicide or who are...
New Videos Added to LDS Suicide Prevention Site
In an ongoing effort to help prevent suicide, the LDS Church has released a series of hopeful videos — several of which come from Elder Dale G. Renlund — that encourage Latter-day Saints to listen to and love those considering suicide. Elder Renlund encourages...
Ellen DeGeneres Gets It Wrong About Mormons and Teen Suicide
On her TV show, Ellen DeGeneres recently stated that “the leading cause of death for Utah kids ages 11 to 17 is suicide.” That part of the statement was correct. But then she continued reading from a card, as though stating fact, “suicide in Utah has increased...
September is National Suicide Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Over 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year. In the United States, suicide rates have surged to the highest levels in nearly 30 years, with increases in every age group. This month, the Church...
Video: How Can I Help Someone Who Is Suicidal?
In the video "How Can I Help Someone Who Is Suicidal?," Andrea Hood, a Suicide Prevention Coordinator in the state of Utah, shares some great advice on how we can help someone who may be contemplating suicide. The video was created by Seth Adam Smith,...
Music Video on Suicide Prevention: Sarah’s Story
The video Sarah's Story (Suicide Prevention) is a story of hope for loved ones. Famous singer/songwriter Nadia Khristean had always wanted to do a video on suicide prevention. Early this year Nadia met a beautiful teenager, Sarah (name changed) from Murray, Utah,...
Suicide Prevention: Would Everyone Be Happier Without Me?
Seth Adam Smith's lastest article in the Huffington Post "Would Everyone Be Happier Without Me?" addresses the serious issue of suicide. Some time ago, I did keyword research for a project on suicide prevention. One of the things that shocked me the most was how often...
Videos: Touched By Suicide
Touched By Suicide is a series of interviews by the folks at LDSDaily.com featuring members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have been affected by suicide. The video below is an introduction to the series Touched By Suicide: Here is a list of...
“Understanding Suicide: Warning Signs and Prevention” in LDS Ensign & Liahona
The article “Understanding Suicide: Warning Signs and Prevention” has been published in the October issue of the Ensign and Liahona magazine. This article is written for adults and youth by an LDS international expert who discusses the warning signs, prevention, and...
Music Video OKAY by The Piano Guys
We’ve all received bad news. We’re all struggling with something or someone we love is barely holding on. We hear about hate, terror, and despair. But that doesn’t mean that goodness is gone. Inside, most of us still genuinely want happiness not only for ourselves,...
World Suicide Prevention Day September 10
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In my article earlier this week about National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I listed these statistics: Over 800,000 people die by suicide...
LDS Church Publishes Suicide Prevention Website
To coincide with the National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September and the World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the LDS Church has published a Preventing Suicide web page. PreventingSuicide.lds.org provides essential information for those who are...
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Over 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year.1 That's 1 person every 40 seconds.2 And for every completed suicide, there are 25 suicide attempts.3 In the United States, suicide rates have surged to...
LDS Magazine Articles About Suicide Prevention
The LDS Church has published the following age-appropriate articles about suicide in the September issues of the Church magazines: September Ensign & Liahona: “Choosing to Live” and “How to Create a Suicide-Prevention Safety Plan.” The article is written for...
Gospel Topic: Suicide
The LDS Church has just updated the entry on "Suicide" in the Gospel Topics on LDS.org. The timing coincides with the national suicide prevention awareness month in September. The Gospel Topic states, "Most people who have thought about suicide do not want to die;...
Video on Depression: “Like a Broken Vessel” & Mental Health Web Page
The Church has released a new video about depression titled "Like a Broken Vessel." This touching video draws on teachings from Elder Holland's conference talk "Like a Broken Vessel," along with stories from people who experience mental illness. The video reminds us...
Video: “Hold on Tight” About the Roller Coaster of Mental Illness
Below is the music video "Hold on Tight: The Secret to Thriving on the Roller Coaster of Mental Illness." In the video, Ashley Sargeant and her brother John share empowering messages to the song “Hold on Tight” by Greg Holden. The video was made by LDS member Ashley...
