Suicide is the most stigmatized and hushed topic in society. Unfortunately, what was once considered a taboo has now become the standard. Suicide is occurring at an alarming rate, which is concerning given that it is the backbone of society. African culture and religion speak lightly on it. This non-verbal discourse is fraught with questions, myths and assumptions. What makes it stressful and overwhelming are the uneducated, insensitive and ignorant opinions.
The fear is in how fragile the flame of life between one’s palms needs to be protected from the darkness of the mind. Currently, suicide is a severe public health issue. It has become a leading cause of death, taking more lives than all other natural causes combined. Fortunately, such catastrophes can be avoided.
Suicide is not a sign of failure, selfishness, or mental disease, but rather a manner of dealing with emotional anguish or harsh environmental situations. It is difficult to read or predict. Many individuals still accept stigma and ignorance in this conversation. Unfortunately, this has fostered suicide as a norm and a concept that people have gotten accustomed to. Many people who become victims of suicide attempts or commit suicide have little understanding of or access to help for the issues that prompted the act.
An investigation of previous concerns and conversations revealed that mental health difficulties are not new to society, but solutions to these challenges do not appear to exist. But what has changed to cause people to commit suicide? Should economic concerns, inflation, social media, technological advancement, or our way of life be the motivators for suicide?
Knowing that one is not alone, that it is okay to feel the way one does, and that aid is available opens doors that many victims have closed. It’s a shame that no one wants to listen or offer support in the circles of survivors or those attempting. People disregard the idea that they, too, can be in that circumstance, and that everyone, at some point in their lives, requires someone to talk to or support them. However, community members must first be willing to study and learn about suicide, its causes, and how to deal with the problem.
Suicide prevention starts with a shift in mindset and approach to the problem. Sometimes all it takes is a discussion to transfer a person from the comfort of death to the cause for life.
Given the culture, it is necessary to create a compassionate setting for survivors or families who have lost someone to suicide. Conversations that demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to the issue provide assistance and needs in preventing a recurrence of the incident. This can lead to the development of systems that give care and assistance.
Community members can identify members who are at risk of suicide and aid them with help. This is done by noting numerous factors such as a significant change in behavior, health issues, substance and drug misuse, unpleasant life events, and a personal family history of suicide deaths and attempts. Adequate social support and resources are required to assist with maintaining high levels of professionalism and confidentiality.
Some specialists advise circles who may know suicidal people to practice “WAIT,” which stands for:
Watching out for signs of distress or changes in one’s behavior, such as content shared on social media, withdrawal from people, unusual quietness, irresponsible outbursts, or constant talk of death or suicide.
Asking if they have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide. Asking does not encourage the act, but rather informs the supportive party of the next steps to be taken. This can either result in a life-changing discourse or prevent the act.
It will pass, assuring the individual that it is not a solution and that there are other options for dealing with the problems they are encountering. Suicidal thoughts can be dealt with with professional assistance or in the correct atmosphere.
Talk to other people. It is critical to persuade a suicidal person to seek professional assistance. It is also critical for those who are helping to learn about suicide and how to interact with a suicidal person.
Reducing the rate of suicides necessitates extensive participation and the removal of societal stigmas surrounding the subject. This would necessitate a significant amount of effort and dedication from professionals from various sectors who interact with people on a daily basis in order to raise awareness and educate the public. I hope we all find a place of healing and light.
“Before you call the snail a weakling, tie your house to your back and carry it around for a week”
― Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀, (Stay with Me)
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