Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. I recently read an article about how some survivors of suicide loss tend to cringe at “prevention” campaigns and I was so happy to know I am not the only one! When people march around saying that suicide is preventable, it can add to the guilt and shame of survivors of suicide loss. If it was preventable, why wasn’t I able to prevent it? I do believe in the importance of reducing stigma of mental health issues and educating people on signs that often present themselves. I do believe that with intervention, SOME suicides are preventable. The crisis hotlines are lifesavers for many, but they are not enough.
I also believe that for some people, it’s just too late. Early intervention is far more important. Being kind and compassionate with children. Allowing them to feel their feelings and teaching them how to process them in a healthy way. Teaching them how important it is to be present in and listen to their bodies. Teaching them about grief and how normal it is. Teaching people who have experienced trauma that it was not their fault. Letting them know the way they are coping is their brain’s attempt at keeping them safe. Allowing people autonomy and not trying to push them in the direction you think is best for them. Not forcing people to get a certain education or job. Letting them follow THEIR dreams. Getting people help before they turn to substances.
Sometimes I go down rabbit holes reading about other suicide loss stories and even though suicide is very complex, so often the story is the same: they were getting help, they were on psychiatric medication, they seemed to be doing better.
I wish it was called “World Suicide Awareness Day” and that the campaign slogan was something along the lines of “Suicide is Complex; Be Kind to Everyone.”