Suicidal Ideation: Challenging the Distortion of Cognitive Dissonance

 Many factors, including substance abuse, mental health challenges, and relationship violence, shape suicidal behavior. These struggles often affect men and women differently. Research shows that females are more likely to attempt suicide when battling bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, or abuse in relationships. Males, on the other hand, are more often impacted by behavioral challenges, hopelessness, and financial instability.

But no matter the cause, the pain is real, and it matters to God. The enemy often uses distorted thoughts, known as cognitive dissonance, to pull us away from peace and truth. These internal conflicts, “I’m not enough,” “No one cares,” “It will never get better,” “No one loves me,”  plant seeds of doubt in our minds and take root in our hearts.

These harmful roots are suggestions from the enemy, designed to shift our focus inward, trapping us in shame, hopelessness, and self-blame rather than recognizing the external pressures that influence our emotions and choices. When left unchallenged, these distorted beliefs create emotional wounds that replace the truth of who we are in Christ.

The Bible reminds us to place our lives completely and honestly before God.

“Take your everyday, ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life and place it before God as an offering.” (Romans 12:1, MSG)

When we surrender every part of our lives to Him, God brings out the best in us and develops well-formed maturity in us.

We are also cautioned not to become so well-adjusted to the culture around us. The world is constantly trying to drag us down to its level of confusion, chaos, and hopelessness. But in Christ,

Your life has purpose. God created you intentionally, with a divine plan in mind.  No matter how dark things may seem, remember that there is always light and hope. You are not alone. God is with you, guiding you toward a future shaped by His love and grace.

 He has not forgotten you. In fact, He plans “to take care of you and not to abandon you," offering you the future your heart hopes for.  Even when life feels heavy or uncertain, trust that God’s design for your future is filled with purpose, peace, and hope.

Resources

Romans 12:1, Jeremiah 29:11 MSG