Suicidal Thoughts

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PiusXIII

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Is it sinful to have suicidal thoughts? Even if a person would not seriously commit suicide is it wrong to have thoughts about such a thing? Is that something that a person should take to confession?
 
Sinful if they pop up by themselves, probably not.

I can’t imagine conjuring them up for the sake of doing so, though. I’d think that’s more along the lines of self-mutilation, and even that is a cry for help or an indication that some psychological disorder it present and should be addressed.

I’d take it to confession not so much as a sin but as an offering to Jesus so that the priest, as Jesus, can offer peace and guidance so the person can get the help he/she needs.
 
I don’t know, but it would probably be a good idea to talk to a Priest about it.
It’s probably not a sin if you were really depressed about something and than got over it…but if you continually have these thoughts it might be a sin. You really need to talk to someone. Sorry I couldn’t help more. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will answer.
 
Those thoughts can just be a temptation, but I agree–talk to your confessor. It’s funny, but recently I had those same temptations and it ended up bringing me closer to God…

Think of it this way–if those thoughts pop up, it’s also a means to grow in grace…

God bless and may you grow in God’s love,

Marian84 :gopray:
 
Entertaining or willing suicidal ideation could be the same as despair, denying hope for your future. But depending on the situation it may not be totally willful. So I guess my answer is “depends.”
 
Random thoughts will pop up all the time, either from subconcious, reminders from horror movies, mobid curiousity, or whatever.

Whether or not we dwell on such things is what we can control. Healthy folks don’t let it bother them and don’t obsess over such thoughts. IF you find yourself considering such actions, get help from friends or a professional. Depression is a very serious illness and can be fatal.

People who dwell on suicide are looking for a way out of life’s troubles. That is a sign of serious depression.

It is debatable whether folks suffering from clinical depression are sinful. Ususally the Church does not consider sick people accountable for actions that they can not control.
 
If someone is frequently plagued by suicidal thoughts, it might be helpful to seek psychological help as well as spiritual help.
 
i would not think it is sinful, but it is a sign of illness, you should see a priest and medical help/counselling, i know this sounds strange although i never had suicidal thoughts before i helped a friend move house into a tower block of flats, i walked out onto the balcony and looked out and down enjoying the view, and all at once a voice/thought was urging me to jump end it all type thing,when i left the house i never experienced those feelings again, just beware for those who roam seeking to destroy souls, the next time i visited i gifted him holy water rosary beads and a crucifix, sorry that was lenghty
 
My personal perspective…

The holidays are always tough for me. The last time I saw my little brother alive was Thanksgiving day, 1999. On January 15, 2000 he took his own life. As a result, suicide has been a matter of constant soul-searching for me as well.

What I’ve learned from my experience is this: it is NEVER wrong to seek advice from people, especially a priest. Thoughts of ‘giving-up’ are as common as any other sinful thought, it truly is the ACT that constitutes the sin. I would suspect that God gives us the ability to reason and contemplate our actions as a means to help us decide to act sinfully or not; and since, you are struggling with a spiritual matter, it only makes sense to gain some spiritual insight. I wouldn’t rule out a counselor as an option either.

I also believe that you have taken a good step by sharing with people here, go ahead and take another good step. It is OKAY to share your feelings and thoughts with others.

SG
 
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