Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that we need to be able to have conversations about suicide. Many people are hesitant to talk about suicide. There is a stigma surrounding suicide. Some fear talking about it will lead to more deaths by suicide. People are afraid that even mentioning suicide might lead someone to take their life. In some cultures, it is considered taboo to talk about suicide. Others fear they will say the wrong thing. Still others, are uncomfortable with the topic of suicide because of personal discomfort or emotional pain. Sadly, many of us were taught not to discuss suicide.
In my own life I avoided discussing suicide for a long time despite dealing with suicidal ideation. There were two main reasons. One was being raised in a religion that taught that suicide was a sin. That teaching led me to believe that my suicidal thoughts were sinful. I hid my thoughts and suffering. I was afraid of judgement. I know I am not alone. Even if the fear is not based on religious teachings, a fear exists that we will be judged critically and/or harshly whether by religious leaders, God, or society.
The second reason revolves around my personal experiences. As a teenager I dealt with suicidal ideation and made attempts. These thoughts were not met with empathy or the help I needed. It took years to overcome this. Even today the anxiety that arose from how I was treated during those times surfaces. That fear of not receiving the help I need returns to my mind.
With help from my mental health team, I have learned that it is okay to openly discuss suicide. It is okay for me to share when I am struggling. This does not mean I tell just anyone, but I know there are people who will listen and support me. Not everyone has the support that allows them to talk about suicide. That is why I talk about mental health and suicide. We need to normalize these discussions.
We need to break the silence surrounding suicide. How we talk about suicide matters. We should have compassionate and responsible conversations. These conversations should be direct and maintain hope and avoid sensationalizing or glamorizing suicide. When we talk about suicide with someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, we need to show them that they are not alone, open doors to help, and provide connection to help. When talking about suicide we need to avoid passing any judgement. Do not interrupt them as they are speaking. It is important to remember that you are not expected to solve everything. Be sure to take the person seriously.
If you do not know how to connect the person to the appropriate help, 988 is a way to start. 988 provides support and can connect the person to additional services. If the person is in immediate danger, you should call 911. Emergency rooms can also provide immediate help. It is important to not leave the person alone if there is an immediate risk.
World Suicide Prevention Month provides an opportunity to spread information and knowledge that can make it easier to have conversations about suicide. Let’s have these conversations throughout the year, not just in September. If we reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, we can help people be more willing to reach out for help when they are dealing with suicidal thoughts. Being willing to talk about suicide can save lives.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or contemplating suicide, please reach out to a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. If you do not have one, you can reach out to
911
Or go to the nearest emergency room.
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