Choosing Life: Break the Chains of Despair

Suicide is not a light matter. Having experienced the same struggles in my younger years, I can say that it was far from a thrilling journey. Depression takes a toll on your mind, seeping through every fragile layer of your existence. It drains you as if your soul is slowly being pulled away. Your thoughts become your greatest enemy, whispering negativity and weighing down your already shattered and battered heart.

Everything feels bleak. The world darkens, and hope seems to slip through your fingers like sand. Trying to escape feels like sinking into quicksand—pulling you down slowly yet relentlessly, even as you desperately reach for a lifeline. The feeling of isolation creeps in, convincing you that no one is there, that no one cares, that no one listens. These thoughts echo in your mind, making an impact on your entire being.

It’s not a good feeling. It’s not a great experience. At times, it feels like hope has left your dictionary, leaving only despair behind. These are the feelings of a person battling depression. I understand. I relate. I have experienced it, and I know how consuming it can be. But that does not mean it cannot be overcome.

According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

I have fought the internal battles—the endless arguments in my head, the overwhelming burden of pressure from both peers and loved ones. But taking your life is not the solution. Suicide does not erase the pain; it only transfers it to those left behind.

Have you forgotten that taking a life—whether someone else's or your own—is against God's commandments? Yet, society has begun to normalize it, treating it as just another unfortunate event. This is a tragic distortion of His word. Many believe that if they end their own lives, they will find peace. But the truth is, peace cannot be found in death—it is found in God. The only way to true salvation is to seek His forgiveness and healing.

Some may criticize me for saying this. Some may even accuse me of being insensitive. But I stand firm in the truth: suicide is not the escape you should be seeking. It does not solve anything. Rather than sympathizing with those who have taken their lives after it is too late, let’s show empathy to those who are still here—while we can still reach them, still talk to them, and still help them heal.

Mental health struggles are a serious issue worldwide, and social media has only fueled the problem. Influencers and online voices have twisted morality, blurring the lines between right and wrong. But we must not allow this mindset to take root. Depression can be battled. Lives can be saved. Hope can be restored.

I implore you: let’s correct our ways and our perspective. Let’s reach out to those who are struggling. Let’s be the light that guides them out of the darkness. Because they can be helped. They can still be saved.