Suicide prevention starts with changing the narrative and ending the silence

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, the theme "Changing the Narrative" calls on us to re-examine how we approach a topic that has long been shrouded in silence. 

The traditional narrative, often steeped in stigma and misunderstanding, has done a great disservice to those struggling and to the loved ones left behind. 

It's time to build a new conversation that is both informed and compassionate.

The question of "why?" is an agonising one, and it's a question my own family knows all too well.

A beloved family member took his own life, leaving no note, no explanation.

The grief was immense, but it was compounded by the unanswered questions that still echo in our hearts. "Why did he do it?" "What could we have done differently?" 

This experience highlights that the ripple effect of suicide is devastating, leaving families not only with loss but with a heavy burden of guilt and confusion. 

This personal pain underscores the urgent need to shift our collective understanding.

So, what exactly causes a person to reach this point of ultimate despair? 

Suicide is rarely, if ever, a single-factor event. It is a complex interaction of psychological, social, and biological elements. 

Mental health conditions like severe depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety are significant risk factors. 

They are illnesses that can distort a person's perception of reality, making them feel trapped and hopeless. 

Life stressors such as trauma, chronic pain, social isolation, and financial instability can also play a critical role, eroding a person's sense of control and well-being. 

The narrative we must change is the myth that suicide is a selfish act or a sign of weakness and that, in fact, it is a tragic outcome of immense, often invisible, suffering.

How can we change the narrative?

Changing this narrative requires a proactive and empathetic approach from all of us. Here's how we can begin:

Break the stigma

The first step is to normalise conversations about mental health. 

We need to create safe spaces where people can talk about their struggles without fear of judgment. 

This means speaking about feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts with the same frankness we use for a physical illness like diabetes or heart disease. 

Sharing personal stories, when we are comfortable doing so, can be a powerful tool for showing others they are not alone.

Recognise warning signs

Learning to spot the signs of distress is crucial for intervention. While these signs can vary, some common indicators include:

• Emotional changes: Extreme mood swings, persistent sadness or irritability, a sense of hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Behavioural shifts: Withdrawing from friends and family, increased substance use, reckless behaviour, giving away possessions, or changes in sleep and eating habits.
• Verbal cues: Expressing a desire to die, talking about feeling like a burden, or stating that they have no reason to live.

The key is to notice any significant and out-of-character changes in a person's usual behaviour.

Compassionate conversation

If you suspect someone is struggling, knowing how to talk to them can be a life-saving skill.

• Ask directly: It might feel uncomfortable, but research shows that asking "Are you thinking about suicide?" will not put the idea in their head. Instead, it can provide a vital opening for them to share their pain.
• Listen with empathy: Your role is to be a non-judgmental listener. Allow them to express their feelings without interruption or offering quick fixes.
• Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their pain by saying things like, "It sounds like you're going through a lot right now." This shows that you hear and understand them.
• Connect them to resources: Be prepared to help them find professional help. Have information for local crisis hotlines, therapists, or support groups ready. Offer to make the first call or to go with them.

Changing the narrative is a collective effort. 

My family’s experience, and the experiences of countless others, serve as a powerful reminder of what is at stake. 

By replacing silence with conversation, judgment with empathy, and ignorance with education, we can create a world where fewer people feel isolated in their darkest moments and where those who are struggling can find a path to healing and hope.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and has suicidal thoughts, call Sadag 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.

Graphic by: Hannah Gilbert

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