Suicide is an extremely real problem and is often tip-toed around due to people being uncomfortable speaking about it. The term itself can potentially be triggering. However, silence creates an enormous barrier when it comes to recovery and prevention. Many individuals suffering from mental illnesses feel the need to keep quiet to avoid ridicule or out of fear of embarrassment. Though society as a whole has improved when it comes to having an open mind regarding mental health and suicide awareness, we still have much to accomplish and necessary changes to make.
The conversation may be hard, but it's imperative. A person plagued with suicidal thoughts does not want to upset others or make them uncomfortable. They are just as human as everyone else. What they truly yearn for is love and acceptance. However, they feel as if they have nothing to live for and start to question their purpose. They may even make comments saying how there's just no point in living. If you hear someone making these sorts of comments, say something to them. Talk to them genuinely and honestly. If they insist that they're fine or that they don't want to talk about it, assess the situation and consider reporting the situation to a mental health professional. Speaking up while knowing crucial information such as this could potentially save a person's life.
With the proper treatment and support system, suicidal thoughts and actions can be managed. Check on your friends. All may seem well on the surface, but you can never truly tell unless you talk to them. Talking about thoughts and feelings can yield positive results. Keeping everything bottled up is not healthy. It's quite the opposite and is a primary reason that most people suffer.
If you happen to be experiencing thoughts like these or know someone that is, seek help. Start the conversation. Normalize these issues. If you needed surgery, you wouldn't just ignore it and say, "Oh, I don't want to bother anyone about this." The exact same principles apply here because mental illnesses are real illnesses.
On the other hand, if you happen to have a mental illness, remember that you are not your mental illness. Your identity is not synonymous with your ailment. You are not your depression. You are so much more than just a term. You are important and you are loved. Remind yourself of this and remind those close to you that they are important and loved too.
Not all days have to be good. You're allowed to be upset. Feel your emotions, don't keep them hidden. Allow yourself to heal and seek the help necessary for growth and recovery. As Howie Day once sang in his song, "Collide," "Even the best fall down sometimes."
Keep the conversation going. September is Suicide Prevention Month, so its importance is currently emphasized. We need to extend it beyond just one month and always keep these notions in mind. If everyone considered these things and maintained an open mind, we could save so many lives.