Depression and suicidal darkness

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OPINION

By Sem. Robert Bigabwarugaba

Pope Leo XIV's 2025 November prayer intention invites us deeply, "May those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life."

With a heart heavy with compassion, the Holy Father implores us to accompany those wrestling with despair, reminding us that we are all interconnected, and our collective humanity is woven into the fabric of our individual struggles.

Suicide is not a choice, but a symptom of deeper pain. We must break the stigma surrounding mental illness, recognising that it is a treatable condition, promoting a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Depression and suicidal thoughts are not signs of weakness, but rather, a cry for help, a call to be seen, to be heard, and to be loved." Socrates reminds us, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Let us examine our own lives and recognise the value and worth of every human being, including those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Psychological insights reveal that suicidal behaviour is often a desperate attempt to escape overwhelming pain, a tragic miscalculation that death is the only means to find peace. We are invited to know how to be close with respect and tenderness, helping to heal wounds, build bonds, and open horizons. This tender compassion is the antidote to the poison of despair, a love that casts out fear and brings hope to the hopeless.

Ubuntu, or human kindness, is the greatest gift we can offer one another. Let us cultivate this ubuntu, this human kindness, and create a community that welcomes, listens, and accompanies those struggling. As a human family, let us invite those struggling to come to us, to share their burdens, and to find rest in our presence.

Our vocation is to rediscover that life is a gift, that there is still beauty and meaning, even in the midst of pain and suffering. May we be instruments of God's peace, bringing love, hope, and joy to those who struggle, and may we say with conviction, I am, because we are, and together, we can overcome even the darkest of nights.

Suicidal thoughts are a cry for help, a desperate attempt to communicate the depth of one's pain. Let us listen attentively, without judgment, and offer empathy. The Catholic Church invites us to approach these vulnerable individuals with compassion, recognising the inherent dignity and worth bestowed upon them by God.

We are invited to create a community that welcomes, listens, and accompanies those struggling. We are called to be game players in bringing happiness, reflecting Christ's love, and fostering a culture of life. Let us be present, offering emotional support, patience, and love.

As human beings, we are called to accompany those struggling with suicidal thoughts, that they may find comfort in God's infinite love. That is by being instruments of His mercy, shining His light in the darkness. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." (1 Corinthians 13:4) Let us embody this love, being patient and kind to those struggling, and recognising that they are not defined by their pain. John Mbiti once said, "I am, because we are." In this profound understanding of our shared existence, we find the foundation for a community that lifts the fallen, comforts the afflicted, and heals the brokenhearted.

Join Pope Leo XIV in praying for the prevention of suicide. Listen attentively to those struggling, offer emotional support and compassion, seek professional help for those in need, foster a culture of life and acceptance, and pray for those battling suicidal thoughts. Together, let us be a community of love, shining Christ's light in the darkness, and bringing hope to those who feel lost and alone.

The writer is with St. Paul’s National Seminary – Kinyamasika
rrobertrugaba@gmail.com