Pastor Rick Warren’s son committed suicide and a whole community mourned.
Saddleback Church is an evangelical Christian megachurch in Southern California. Pastor Rick Warren is the head of this church.
Of course, you may know him better as the best-selling author of The Purpose Driven Life. A book that at this point has sold over 30 million copies.
Saddleback Church’s attendance numbers over 20,000 each week. Presently there are approximately 80,000 members. Pastor Rick and his wife, Kay, are actively involved in the church community. They are also heavily involved in the surrounding community and, above all, in the lives of their children.
However, none of this was able to protect them from the news that no parent ever wants to hear. Those words tell you that your beloved child has taken their own life.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255
Matthew Warren, 27 years old, had suffered from years of depression and mental illness. Regrettably, it had become too much for him to bear.
As a result, after an evening out with his parents, he took his own life.
“No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. He struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts,” Pastor Warren said in an emotional letter to his congregation. Adding that “In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided.”
No one is safe from this type of tragedy.
On March 7, 2013 internet prodigy, Aaron Swartz, committed suicide. He was plagued by legal problems due to his social activism. Aaron suffered from depression and was only 26 years old.
Rehtaeh Parsons was allegedly brutally raped by four boys in Canada. One of the alleged rapists had taken an explicit photo of her during the rape. He shared this photo with many teens. The photo went viral. As a consequence 18 months later she hung herself. Presumably, she could not see a way to live with the continued bullying and her deep depression. She died on Sunday, April 7, 2013. Rehtaeh was just 17 years old.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 – 24 years old. It is the sixth leading cause of death for those aged five – 15 years old.
Teens may be disappointed in themselves. An aggressive home or school environment may be affecting their feelings. A recent traumatic event can also add to depression. It is important that we be aware of the warning signs.
Suicide warning signs in teens.
Additional warning signs that a teen may be ultimately considering suicide:
- Change in eating and sleeping habits
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
- Violent or rebellious behavior, running away
- Drug and alcohol use
- Unusual neglect of personal appearance
- Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
- Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- Not tolerating praise or rewards
Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
People who are depressed can have a hard time seeing that there is an alternative to committing suicide. Click To Tweet
Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can’t see any way of finding relief except through death. They are usually deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to committing suicide, but they just can’t see one. – Help Guide
Of course our hearts go out to all of the families that have experienced the loss of a loved one.
Understanding Student Anxiety is a great step towards helping your child.
For more info, this is a great article on how Drug Abuse Hotlines work.
Online Addiction Counseling is another option.
Check here for California-based Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers.
Share your thoughts and comment below.
Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho, Ph.D., D.N.Psy
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