World Suicide Prevention Day is fast approaching, and so for our finally #ThinkFive article, we’ve put together a number of ways you can face suicide in your community.
Facing the darkest condition of the mind isn’t easy, but that is the very reason it must be faced. Only by raising our voices can we break the silence and stigma which still surrounds suicide.
1. Language – If we are aiming to address suicide in our community, we must use language which destigmatizes and encourages openness. The phrases we use to describe suicide, such as “committing suicide” stem from when suicide was a criminal act. As this is no longer the case, suicide is not something to be committed! Instead, use phrases such as completed suicide or died by suicide, these phrases are accurate and do not include the language of judgement.
2. Seek Help – Suicide is not something to be dealt with in isolation, whether it’s you who is struggling, or if you’re supporting someone else, ensure that you are getting support from family, friends, a mental health team or as a part of your job role.
3. Sensitivity – If your community loses someone to suicide, avoid talking about the methods used or the way in which they were found, this is not to hide the issue, but to protect both those grieving and also those who may be facing their own suicidal thoughts.
4. Question – If you’re supporting someone who is having a hard time, whether because of depression, bereavement or any other circumstance, don’t be afraid to ask if they’ve thought of suicide. This must be done within the context of a relationship and done sensitively; for example “I know you’ve been feeling really down, and I wonder if you’ve ever felt so bad that you’ve thought of ending it all”.
5. Point Upwards – Whether it be making a point to pray for those who are struggling with mental health issues in corporate prayer times or preaching on a passage in the Bible where someone approaches God with their despair, it’s important not to end with despair. There is hope, not only in the good things that can be found in life, but in the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus who came to be our Immanuel – God with Us.
Kay Redfield Jamison said “Suicide is not a blot of anyone’s name, it’s a tragedy” and I wholeheartedly agree. Suicide is a tragedy, it’s not what is meant to be and its’ legacy is long lasting, but more than that suicide is preventable. There is hope.
