How, and how NOT to help a suffering atheist...

[IanHulett]

So, today, I went to the hospital for an evaluation because I have been suffering from suicidal feelings. I was discharged on the grounds that I wasn't currently a danger to myself. After leaving, I decided to visit my grandparents. When I told my grand mother what happened, she started to bring atheism into question, implying that atheism is the culprit. Luckily my grandfather was there to tell her to drop it, to not go there. But already knowing what she was going to say, I explained to her atheism had nothing to do with these feelings, because these feelings have been occurring off and on for about 8 months, well before my deconversion.

To any religious folks reading this: If you are related to an atheist who is suffering emotionally, and is battling depression/suicidal tendencies, please don't do this. It's one thing to pray for them in private, but please don't take advantage of their suffering and use it as a way to convert them. Instead, offer support. Let them know you'll always be there. Talk to them. Show them that you care. Let them know they can trust you. That will do a lot more than trying to convert them. I understand that you have good intentions, but blaming atheism for their problems isn't the best way to show it. I know not every religious person does this, but in case there are any religious folks who do, I thought this would be useful for them.

Also, this isn't just in favor of atheists but ANYBODY who's suffering.