Seek out a support group (starting with your church) that ministers to the area of difficulty in your life. Interacting with others who are facing similar challenges in their lives will help you feel less isolated.

Force yourself to do something the next time you feel down. Inactivity only makes depression worse. Here are some things to try:

Talk to someone. Call a friend and share your feelings.
Take a walk. Exercise causes your blood and oxygen to circulate faster, which makes you feel invigorated. Your brain produces chemicals called endorphins that fight depression.
Do something to help someone else. As you focus your attentionon another’s needs, your own cares will become less burdensome.
Listen to music. Choose your favorite songs and sing along.

If you need ongoing support, we encourage you to contact the pastor of your local church. With the guidance of your pastor, you might also consider seeking professional Christian counseling. Here are some national ministries that we can recommend:

The American Association of Christian Counselors
1-866-611-HELP (1-866-611-4357)

New Life Ministries
1-800-NEW-LIFE (1-800-639-5433)

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Do not delay.

Take a step back and analyze your thinking. What is really going on in your mind? What kind of self-talk do you engage in?

Do you say to yourself: “Suicide is always an option”? or “I can always kill myself if I need to”? or “If things don’t get better, I’ll kill myself”?

If your thinking is even close to that, then please get help. Call 1-800-SUICUDE now if you need to. The sooner you get help, the better.

Be honest with yourself. If you need help, get it. And get it now.

And remember that suicide is never, under any circumstances, an option.