One Lamb: Self harm & Suicide

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

One Lamb: Suicide

Suicide is a tragedy. 

The tragedy includes the unspeakable pain of the one who suicides and that of the bereaved who grief the unimaginable loss of their loved one.

This tragedy is all too pervasive. 


The CDC reports that in 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the US. 45,900 people ended their lives through suicide. It was the second leading cause of death among the ages of 10-14 and 25-34; 3rd in ages 15-24; and 4th in ages 35-44.


12.2 million adults 18 and older reported serious thoughts of suicide.


How might we help?

If you have any sense that someone you are close with may be at risk of suicidal ideation, ask them. Often people are afraid that asking will plant the idea in the mind of a non-suicidal person. Studies show that this is not true. This question, asked with compassion, is an important first step.

The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide.org) offers these warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide:

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
  • Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Giving away important possessions
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family
  • Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
  • Talking or thinking about death often


Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
  • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
  • Using alcohol or drugs more often
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge


When the conversation has begun, stay close to your loved one and support them to find needed professional care they need.

If you, yourself, are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone. Confide in a trusted loved one; your physician; therapist; or clergy. Trained, caring professionals are just a phone call away . 


Dial 911 in an emergency. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone.


The articles, videos, and book reviews that follow are One Lamb’s effort to support all of us in dealing with the tragedy of suicide.

When a Friend Takes His Own Life; Interview with Owen McDaniel

By Mace Hall • 07 Mar, 2024
27 year old, Owen McDaniel who grew up at Peachtree Road, talks candidly about losing two close friends to suicide

Documentary Screening: "Hiding in Plain Sight"

By Mace Hall • 29 Feb, 2024
Resilience: Sunday, March 3, 4 - 6:30 pm In the second two-hour episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, our “heroes” speak about finding help and inpatient and/or outpatient treatment. It also explores the criminalization of mental illness, tragedy of youth suicide, and “double stigma” that occurs when mental illness is combined with racial or gender discrimination. Throughout, the interviewees demonstrate the power of resiliency and hope.

Video: Sadness, Loss, Depression - A Medical Perspective

By Mace Hall • 19 Feb, 2024
Medical Perspective: Sadness, Loss, Depression

Survivors of Suicide: Roswell United Methodist Church

By Mace Hall • 29 Jan, 2024
Survivors of Suicide: Roswell United Methodist Church Meetings - Third Tuesdays at 7pm
Chris, Maria and Isabella Moffett - Trauma

Chris, Maria and Isabella Moffett talk about disordered eating: VIDEO

09 Dec, 2022
Isabella Moffett is a great student and athlete at her local high school. Hard-working and determined by nature, she has set a course for success and happiness in her life.
Book Review “The Boy Between” | Susan Thigpen

Book Review “The Boy Between” | Susan Thigpen

24 Oct, 2022
This book published in 2020 is a memoir by both mother and son about the son’s (and family’s) journey through depression. The dedication of the book reads “My dedication is for all those who are living with depression. For all those who are thinking about or who have thought that suicide might be the best option. I am proof that there is a life to be lived after depression and a life to be lived with depression – though it might not always feel like it. Don’t give up. – Josh”
Video “My Ascension” | Emma Benoit Story

Video “My Ascension” | Emma Benoit Story

24 Oct, 2022
A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader, Emma Benoit, paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana.
Book Review “My Son…My Son…” | Ray Segars

Book Review “My Son…My Son…” | Ray Segars

24 Oct, 2022
As one might guess from the title, this book is about a very somber subject matter. While the loss of a loved one to a sudden death or suicide is serious, the author provides a hopeful pathway for those that survive to deal with the tragedy. The author, Iris Bolton, is a trained councilor and Director Emeritus of the Link Counseling Center in Atlanta writes of how she and her family dealt with the suicide of her son Mitch. The book is part memoir of their experience and part handbook for dealing with the grief.
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