Understanding Suicide: What Does the Church Teach?

💭Taking one's own life is considered a grave sin according to the Church's teachings.

❓There are mitigating factors, such as mental illness, that could affect a person's culpability in committing suicide.

🙏The Church entrusts those who have died by suicide to God's mercy, recognizing that He has all the information and can judge accordingly.

💔Suicide deeply affects not only the person who dies but also their loved ones, who often experience grief and confusion.

🌟Choosing hope and seeking help are important actions for both those struggling with suicidal thoughts and those who have lost someone to suicide.

Is suicide always considered a mortal sin?

—Taking one's own life is considered a grave sin, but there are factors, such as mental illness, that could mitigate a person's culpability.

Does someone who dies by suicide automatically go to hell?

—We don't have all the information, and only God can judge a person's heart. The Church entrusts those who have died by suicide to His mercy.

Why do people choose to take their own life?

—People who consider suicide often struggle with mental illness or feel overwhelmed by their problems. Seeking help and support is essential.

How can I help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts?

—Listen to them without judgment, encourage them to seek professional help, and be there to support them through their journey.

What can I do if I'm feeling suicidal?

—Reach out for help immediately. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You are not alone, and there is help available.

00:00Father Mike Schmitz addresses the serious topic of suicide and the Church's teachings on the matter.

01:20Our lives are not our own, and taking an innocent human life, including one's own, is considered a grave sin.

04:00The Church acknowledges that there are mitigating factors, such as mental illness, that could affect a person's culpability in committing suicide.

10:20We don't have all the information about a person's state of mind or freedom in the act of suicide, and therefore, we entrust them to God's mercy.

17:40Suicide deeply affects not only the person who dies but also their loved ones, who often experience grief and confusion.

22:10Choosing hope, seeking help, and praying for those who have died by suicide are crucial actions for both the struggling and the survivors.