You matter!

#suicidepreventionawareness #youmatter #mentalhealth #support #griefsupport #changingnarrativesonsuicide #bpol #brightpsychoflife #terrarium #rippleeffect

Annually, suicide prevention awareness month typically falls in September and this year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. Suicide is a serious global concern but it is often seen as a taboo topic to talk about. People tend to skirt around this topic or not speak about it at all for various reasons.

The topic of suicide can be particularly triggering to some, whether those with past and/or current experiences with suicide/ideations, or those who had lost someone they loved to suicide.

It may be due to our worries about repercussions on us should we share suicidal ideations or fear that we may unknowingly introduce ideas (about suicide) into others’ minds.

We may lack information about suicide and how to help those with suicidal ideations and hence, prefer to stay away from the topic for fear of misleading.

And for those who lost someone to suicide, there is the torment of self blame in the aftermath of a death by suicide. It is a period laden with pain, as well as a multitude of other unresolved feelings and hence, there is a tendency to speak less or not speak about it at all.

These are possible reasons why we may feel 'silenced' and isolated when it comes to discussion about topic of suicide.

In line with the theme of changing the narratives on suicide, this blog entry seeks to offer awareness and resource on this topic of suicide and its prevention. Hopefully, this can allay concerns and facilitate conversations, which in turn provides opportunities for clarifications and interventions to be provided to those in need.

As we become aware that suicide can be related to underlying mental health concerns that individuals may be struggling with, suicide ideations and death by suicide are signs of a mind that needs support and help.

Suicide is also not a crime and should not be perceived as one. Instead of using phrases like “commit suicide”, we can consider using “died by suicide”.  

Relatedly, there is this quote that helps put things in appropriate perspective:

“Suicide is not a blot on anyone’s name; it is a tragedy” by Kay Redfield Jamison, an American Clinical Psychologist.

This lends the understanding and loving compassion to individuals who are struggling with the grief of losing someone they love to suicide. We understand that they are not only dealing with the pain of losing someone they adore and the many "whys", but also the taboo and misperceptions related to suicide.  Thus, it may be inevitable for these individuals (who lost loved ones to death by suicide) to delay their help seeking behaviours either because they do not think they deserve support (due to their guilt and self blame) or they are unsure if others may perceive them in negative light (fear of judgement). But do remember that you are as deserving of support as anybody else for pain is pain, no matter the context or trigger!

For additional discussion on topic of suicide, please check out my earlier blog entitled “unmasking mental health concerns” https://www.brightpsychoflife.com.sg/post/unmasking-mental-health-concerns-1

A terrarium with an important message within. Read on to find out.

The above picture shows a closed terrarium. It is an ecosystem that is self-sustaining. This is all thanks to the natural processes (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient cycling and decomposition) and individual microorganisms and plants within, that sustains its life primarily with light for energy. This intricate balance is achieved by presence of all the above components. Without any one of the components, the equilibrium may be affected and the ecosystem may fail as a result. In a similar way, I see every one of us contributing in distinct, and yet meaningful way(s) – towards overall sustenance of our “ecosystem” of life. Every one of us matter in our system(s), at least to family and social groups who love us.

Here is a gentle invitation to consider pausing and remembering this next time we may be caught in the midst of a storm.

Whatever we avoid tends to pursue us and whatever we confront can potentially transform us in helpful ways. I hope that no matter the circumstances of your pain or distress, you feel deserving of a right to receive support like anybody else in need.

Whether you are experiencing suicidal ideations or you are caregivers to those affected, do reach out for mental health support or check-in where appropriate. After all, change can begin from a conversation. One conversation at a time; one difference at a time.

Do forward this to anyone who may need to read this, as sharing is caring!

Rooting for you as always,

Jeanice