One Lamb: Self harm & Suicide

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

One Lamb: Suicide

Suicide is a tragedy. 

The tragedy includes the unspeakable pain of the one who suicides and that of the bereaved who grief the unimaginable loss of their loved one.

This tragedy is all too pervasive. 


The CDC reports that in 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the US. 45,900 people ended their lives through suicide. It was the second leading cause of death among the ages of 10-14 and 25-34; 3rd in ages 15-24; and 4th in ages 35-44.


12.2 million adults 18 and older reported serious thoughts of suicide.


How might we help?

If you have any sense that someone you are close with may be at risk of suicidal ideation, ask them. Often people are afraid that asking will plant the idea in the mind of a non-suicidal person. Studies show that this is not true. This question, asked with compassion, is an important first step.

The National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide.org) offers these warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide:

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
  • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
  • Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Giving away important possessions
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family
  • Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
  • Talking or thinking about death often


Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:

  • Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
  • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
  • Using alcohol or drugs more often
  • Acting anxious or agitated
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge


When the conversation has begun, stay close to your loved one and support them to find needed professional care they need.

If you, yourself, are having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to someone. Confide in a trusted loved one; your physician; therapist; or clergy. Trained, caring professionals are just a phone call away . 


Dial 911 in an emergency. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at https://988lifeline.org, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone.


The articles, videos, and book reviews that follow are One Lamb’s effort to support all of us in dealing with the tragedy of suicide.

Chris, Maria and Isabella Moffett - Trauma

Chris, Maria and Isabella Moffett talk about disordered eating: VIDEO

January 7, 2025
Rev. Mace Hall interviews Isabella Moffett and her parents about disordered eating. Isabella is a great student and athlete at her local high school. Hard-working and determined by nature, she has set a course for success and happiness in her life.

Interview with Kenya Phillips about her adult diagnosis of Bi-Polar 2, her treatment, her recovery and her self discovery as a NAMI trainer, Life Coach and spoken word artist

By Mace Hall • January 1, 2025
Reverend Mace Hall interviews Kenya Phillips who was diagnosed with bipolar 2 as an adult. She discusses her illness, her treatment, and her recovery thereby discovering her vocation as a NAMI trainer, life coach, and spoken word artist.

Project 988 - Suicide Prevention

By Mace Hall • September 2, 2024
988 Suicide Prevention

Survivors of Suicide: Roswell United Methodist Church

By Mace Hall • August 29, 2024
Suicide Support Roswell UMC

Video of dr. beverly Armenta Chronicling her Childhood Experiences of Abuse and Neglect

By Mace Hall • May 10, 2024
Dr. Beverly Armento tells what it was like growing up with an abusive, neglectful mother whose abuse and neglect of beverly intensified as her mother became blind, relying on her daughter, Beverly, to function as a person without sight.

Interview with David Asbury Discussing the Loss of His Son Sam to Suicide

By Mace Hall • May 10, 2024
Reverend Mace Hall interviews David Asbury, husband, father of three and area business person and leader experienced the unimaginable when in February 2020, his middle son, Sam, took his own life. With candor, David talks about the impact of Sam's death on his life and his family. He also talks about ways he's taking his tragic loss to educate and help others with the goal of ending the "epidemic" of suicide.

When a Friend Takes His Own Life; Interview with Owen McDaniel

By Mace Hall • March 7, 2024
27 year old, Owen McDaniel who grew up at Peachtree Road, talks candidly about losing two close friends to suicide

Documentary Screening: "Hiding in Plain Sight"

By Mace Hall • February 29, 2024
Resilience: Sunday, March 3, 4 - 6:30 pm In the second two-hour episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, our “heroes” speak about finding help and inpatient and/or outpatient treatment. It also explores the criminalization of mental illness, tragedy of youth suicide, and “double stigma” that occurs when mental illness is combined with racial or gender discrimination. Throughout, the interviewees demonstrate the power of resiliency and hope.
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