Trigger warning: this article discusses suicidality and may be extremely triggering. Please seek help if you need it. UAE Hotline – 8004673
More often than not, people shame those with suicidal feelings yet feel sorry for those who commit suicide. It is imperative that we shift the stigma surrounding suicide and educate those who are uninformed.
Suicidality
It is difficult to imagine what led a friend, family member, or celebrity to commit suicide. There may have been no clear warning signs, and you may wonder what clues you might have missed. Oftentimes, many factors combine to lead a person to the decision to take their own life. Some include –
- Mental illness
- Traumatic stress
- Substance use and addiction
- Loss or fear of loss
- Hopelessness
- Chronic pain and illness
Suicide VS. Suicidal
While people mourn those who unfortunately committed suicide, they fail to realize that a majority of people shamed that person when they were showcasing suicidal signs or thoughts. This stigma must be eradicated in order for us to solve this detrimental issue. Lives are lost because people do not understand that suicidal thoughts are what lead to the action of suicide. While suicide is considered a tragedy, being suicidal is often perceived as attention-seeking. While everyone feels bad for those who committed suicide, everyone feels irritated when somebody expresses their suicidal thoughts. While they wish that they “saw the signs”, people tend to dismiss the clear signs that may be in front of them.
Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you think a friend or family member is suicidal, there is plenty you can do to help save a life. Some signs include –
- Talking about suicide, dying, or self-harm
- Seeking out lethal means such as guns, pills, or knives
- An unusual focus on death, dying, or violence
- The belief that things will never ever get better – that they have no hope for the future
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame
Talking to a friend or family member about their suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult for anyone. But, if you are unsure whether someone is suicidal or not, the best way to find out is to ask. Giving a suicidal person the opportunity to express their feelings can provide relief from loneliness and pent-up negative feelings and may even prevent a suicide attempt.