In this blog series, we will explore the issue of mental illness and suicide among young people. While this can be a difficult topic to face, and is often times avoided, we can better make ourselves aware of how to prevent suicide by first acknowledging and discussing the problem. By looking at suicide from the Catholic perspective, we will recognize the dignity and sanctity of human life as given to us by God. Our call to protect life from conception through natural death encourages us to be advocates for suicide prevention.
“But God’s love – individual, real, unchanging- is true source of our worth, identity, and dignity. It really is not a question of who we are, but rather whose we are. Because his love will never change, nothing can reduce our God-given dignity, and nothing can diminish the immeasurable worth of our lives.” – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 
– Brigid Lynn, Respect Life Intern

If you are in need of immediate help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
“The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”

Blog Posts

Blog 4: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God” (Is 41:10).

As we continue to live the respect life mission to the best of our ability, it is imperative that we recognize the dangers of suicide among young people and the ways in which we can prevent it.
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Blog 3: Suicide – College Students & What We Need to Know

Transitioning from high school to college can be exciting and overwhelming. No two students have the same experience, but it is certainly a time of big changes.
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Blog 2: Suicide – High School Students & What We Should Know

The 2015 Youth Risk Behaviors Survey conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that 8.6% of youth across the nation in grades 9-12 reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months.
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Blog 1: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”

The topic of suicide is certainly a sensitive one which is often avoided in conversations.  There have been stigmas surrounding mental health issues in our society for years.
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My Experience in the Respect Life Office

I had the pleasure of sitting in on the annual Deanery Coordinator meeting, during which representatives from parishes all over Long Island come together to stay up to date on Respect Life efforts and issues.
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