I recently found out that a loved one of mine committed suicide. She was a Jehovah's Witness and appeared to be happy. She seemed to have so much to be happy about. She was healthy physically and has a lot of close family members and new grandchildren. How could this have happened? She has been a Jehovah's Witness all of her life and enjoyed the meetings and had lots of JW friends and family. How did I not know? Did anyone know?
Has this happened to you also? I am still in shock over this and decided to do some research and find out how many people this is happening to. And, how can we know if someone is feeling depressed but covering it up and putting on a fake smile?
I have felt sad in my life and discouraged but so far managed to overcome this when it happens. This is normal. We all feel this way at some point in our life. But, what happens if we cannot overcome it? And how do we help our friends and loved ones when it happens to them?
If we notice a loved one who seems down a lot of the time we need to encourage them. Be a good listener. Ask them what they need. Show compassion. Reassure them that they are loved and that there is help available if these negative feelings do not go away. We may even volunteer to go to counseling with them.
Be aware though that some Jehovah's Witnesses may not want to see a non-witness therapist. What then? Maybe we could do some research on what others around you have done. Maybe they could recommend someone. We could encourage them to see their regular doctor who they are already familiar with and talk to them about medication.
Above all just be a good listener. Let them know they are loved and that you are there for them. And, do not forget to take care of yourself as well. If we aren't healthy ourselves we can not be there for anyone else.
If you have any experience or advice please share.
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