Can / should I talk to priest about suicidal thoughts?

[GerddwrEryri]

A few weeks ago I was picked up by the police as I had made plans to end my life. I'm still extremely unsettled mentally speaking and struggling with thoughts. My psychiatrist asked if there was a trigger and I said yes and told him all about it. He reduced my meds as he said they won't help the underlying issue and has referred me for a "coping with emotions" course starting in January. I have also pursued the private counselling route but again that won't start until January.

I used to be a member of a church but since moving house almost a year ago, I haven't been. Can I speak to a random priest who I've never met before about these thoughts? I really don't know what else to do!

I did once - it was this time of year and my church was in between priests so there was no-one around. I visited a friend for the weekend, got the telephone number of the priest off the notice board and gave him a ring. He did see me and was helpful, though he did suggest that he was only able to see me once as he had many calls on his time from his parish.

However, you have moved house, and may well be looking for a new church so that if you find someone who is supportive and helpful then you have the chance to join that church and go back again. Be aware that some priests are more skilled in listening and counselling skills than others. Some churches have other staff/volunteers who are good at listening too, so you may be directed to someone else.

I would say that it's worth a try.

You can always give the

You can speak to a priest but be aware that priests are not counsellors or therapists. They are going to,be really really busy just now. In the week before Christmas it might be the time to check out what the local churches are doing and check out a service. Find a church that you might be comfortable joining and chat to the vicar.

You might get better help from the Samaritans (tel 116 123).

A church is a good place to be for ongoing support, but not necessarily from the priest. There may be a team of pastoral assistants with more specific training, and time to spend with you.

I know some priests who would be excellent to talk to, others who would be dire, with zero interpersonal skills. Hope you find a good one!

Hi lovely

Sorry your feeling like this

I've met a few priests vicars, who have done counselling courses as they feel it helps them
Be more empathic and understanding of their parishioners issues. They might not be able to
Go deep in to your issues like a qualified counsellor, but will be able to listen to you, which sometimes is all we need.

You could,actually enquire as to any courses they might have attended

Best of luck op

I think it depends on how religious you are and how you feel about your religion too. A kind priest could be very comforting to someone with a strong faith, he would counsel you from a Christian point of view on the value of your life, how God loves you and how to find meaning. That might be helpful to you if you believe in God, but won't mean much if you have doubts. It could even have a reverse effect and make you feel worse, making you feel guilty or worried you are doing something wrong because you lack faith. All priests are different too, some are very wise and kind, some the opposite.

Suggest you have a chat to Samaritans. They are non judgemental, unbiased and non religious though.

Thanks all for your comments.

I think I need reassurance that God is there. At the moment it doesn't really feel like He is but I recognise that's because of the state of my mental health and not really a reflection on whether or not he is there.

Oh bless you. Just checking in to see how you are.

I remember someone describing God as being like a cliff, solid, immovable - but we are like a lighthouse, shining a light into the darkness, but rotating. If you are shining your light out to sea, and all that you can see are waves over the darkness, God/the cliff can feel a very long way away. However, the cliff hasn't moved, and you haven't gone away either. The cliff is right behind the lighthouse where it always was/is/will be, and when you are ready to turn round again, you will see it clearly.

HTH

Thank you fresh for your reply and for your pm.

I really like the analogy of the light house and cliff. It makes a lot of sense.

I went to a carol service on Christmas eve (couldn't face staying up for midnight mass) and despite nobody talking to us, it was really nice to be back in church again and i felt communion grounded me a little.

I'm still feeling very unstable but baby steps are helping.

Glad you made it to the Carol service. Can I also recommend the MN Christian prayer thread (in the religion/philosophy area under Body and Soul)? They are a lovely lot and always happy to see someone new on the thread.

Hi GerddwrEyri,

I couldn’t read and run. I’m glad that you enjoyed the carol service and Communion.
I’ve too struggled with suicidal thoughts in the past, and have at times felt that God was far away, but I just want to reassure you that He is there and He loves and cares for you more than you could ever know. I pray that you find peace and that the new year leads you on a path of happiness and joy.

I'm a bit new to the site and have only just seen this. I really do hope you are okay, and I will keep you in prayer.

God is in all the baby steps too.