Suicide Prevention Month

By: Gaebrielle Conde

Is suicide the 21st century’s plague? Humans are easily the most (or one of) entertained species in the world, yet we are the most depressed. The quality of life beginning from the dark ages to present day has drastically improved. Resources – health care, food distribution, water, shelter, education, technology and transportation - to achieve a quality of life is readily accessible and rarely scarce; however, amidst the abundance of resources, humans often lack in acknowledging their mental health and focus more on the physical. Suicide is the equivalent of the plague, as it is slowly becoming more common to occur; as disclosed on the Canadian government’s official website, “every year, approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide” (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2023). Suicide does not pick people based on their gender, race, and religion– it impacts everyone.

Yes, mental health is becoming more talked about and accepted in today’s society, but we often forget the centuries of traditions that diminish the idea of mental health, which cannot be quickly changed. Thus, rebutting the idea of culture and tradition isn’t an answer, as there isn’t really any correct answer on how to deal with mental health. Nonetheless, the research and studies for mental health continues. With the technology and resources that we have now, researchers and doctors work together to develop an understanding of the mental-spectrum. Psychological therapy and medication are one of the many ways to help ease depression and prevent suicide, but the most important medicine an individual can provide another is empathy. We are not mind-readers, humans are not perfect, and we are meant to make mistakes so that we can learn and grow. Suffering from depression and other mental illnesses does not make a person weak, even if they might feel that way.

Personally, as someone who has been exposed to what depression and suicide is like, my biggest takeaways were to understand the difference between pity and understanding and how to create a safe space for the other person and I. Suicide is like a sink hole– you know that it’s possible to happen anywhere and anytime, but it’s almost always unexpected; one day you feel like you’re on top of the world, and next thing you know you’re drowning in sadness, guilt and despair. Be an anchor to somebody’s waves of struggles, be kind, be understanding, and listen. Feelings and emotions are meant to be felt, as these are indications that one might be struggling with how they cope. It is ok to ask for help and to need help; we are only humans and are not expected to know everything.

Sources:

Canada, P. H. A. of. (2023b, January 9). Government of Canada. Suicide in Canada: Key Statistics (infographic) - Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/suicide-canada-key-statistics-infographic.html