Suicide is a Call for Help, Not a Chance for Judgement
Start writing a post
Health Wellness

Suicide Is A Call For Help, Not A Chance For Judgment

Compassion and understanding are what mentally ill people are searching for.

108
Suicide Is A Call For Help, Not A Chance For Judgment

In the past month, the news has been flooded with celebrities dying by suicide and an influx of discussion on mental illness. I am tired of hearing this on the news and nothing being done. The occasions where I witness people advocating but not checking up on the people in their lives or physically being proactive is disheartening. It is becoming less taboo to discuss mental illness but with that, the shift of importance has changed to blame and not enough education on the matter.

Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain both died by suicide in the past week, where family members described them as battling mental illness for awhile but did not expect them to end their lives. They were at their peak with family and in their careers. Kate Spade owned a large company of luxury handbags, clothing, and jewelry and is a household name. Anthony Bourdain was a chef and TV personality who explored the world to teach about culture and human nature. They both were loving and eccentric people that maybe just forgot to take care of themselves. The stigma probably weighed on them because people assume that with wealth and status there is no reason to be sad, but mental illness does not discriminate against anyone.

Suicide rates have increased by 20% in the past twenty years. Life is hard at times, and there are times where doubt and darkness is the only thing you can envision. I've been in moments of wanting to end my life and I've realized that I didn't want to end my life but end the part of my life that was making it unbearable. Our illness lies to us and tells us to give up, that there is no more hope. People who commit suicide are not thinking in selfish ways, they believe that if they end their life that it would be better for themselves and everyone around them. Stories I've heard from survivors is little things such as a friend calling them up or a hello from a stranger changed their mind on the day that they wanted to end their life. Awareness that one second of humility they got from another person helped them see another day.

With change comes along momentum of waiting on policies, and opinion to evolve. Words can only do so much, actions of every person will only then change the stigma. More people will be free to be open about their mental illness, people would care more to check up on their loved ones, more people will speak to their representative for better mental health care, more people would not succumb to suicide but feel that they can ask for help.

Your life is worth living and the moment will pass. You are stronger than you know for waking up and trying to live another day. Don't just speak out when a suicide is in the news, remind yourself every day that the most important aspect of life is not fame or fortune but humanity and helping others. To the people that have passed due to suicide, you are still remembered and valued and to the survivors, keep going.

1-800-273-8255

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58300
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37560
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959181
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193237
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments