09/10/2018
We take health and safety education seriously in Ontario. From a young age, we learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and gradually learn key first aid strategies to address physical ailments of all kinds. However, it is only in recent years that we have recognized mental health as a topic worth discussing in our neighbourhoods. Though recognition of mental illness as a cause for concern has grown exponentially over the past decade, it still lags behind awareness for more apparent physical health issues. For this reason, the international community designates times of the year to reflect upon a variety of mental health concerns.This month, we recognize World Su***de Prevention Day (today, September 10th) to discuss the stigma surrounding mental illness in our communities, and how breaking it can help suicidal victims seek the help they need. We encourage you to also check up on your loved ones - sometimes a simple inquiry is all a person needs to recognize that their mental health is worth addressing.
Myths About Su***de:
With the stigma surrounding mental health still ever-present in North American communities, it can be difficult to differentiate between facts and false rumours about su***de. Here are some common misconceptions about su***de - share them with your friends to start the conversation about mental illness in your community.
MYTH: Suicidal people want to die. Nothing I say will prevent them from going through with their decision.
TRUTH: Humans are wired to try their hardest to survive - no one wants to die. People who suffer from suicidal thoughts often feel trapped in their everyday lives and believe that death is the only remedy for their suffering. Often, this feeling of entrapment and loneliness stems from the imbalance of hormones associated with related mental illnesses like depression or dementia. By talking to victims, you can eliminate the sense of loneliness that fuels their suicidal thoughts. Better yet, you can convince them to seek treatment that could permanently resolve the offending mental issue.
MYTH: People who say that they want to commit su***de are just attention seekers. They won't follow through with their plans.
TRUTH: Research suggests that around 80% of suicidal people make their struggles known to family members or friends, normally in the form of jokes or threats. Instead of ignoring such cries for help, you can help by taking them seriously. Let them know that they're not alone - it can convince people with suicidal thoughts to seek treatment or abandon plans that they had to end their lives.
MYTH: Teenagers are overly dramatic. Taking their complaints about suicidal thoughts seriously is a waste of time.
TRUTH: Canadian teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19 with pre-diagnosed mental illnesses and addiction have the highest rates of su***de attempts. If that's not enough to convince you that teenagers are at risk of committing su***de, consider this: it's one of the leading causes of death amongst young Canadians. Their age doesn't invalidate their struggle. If you know a teenager who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to them. You could be the helping hand they didn't know they had.
MYTH: When people feel better after a bad experience with destructive thoughts, they are not suicidal anymore.
FACT: Though this is sometimes the case, a sudden mood improvement could signal an increased risk of su***de. How? In the days leading up to a su***de, victims often become comfortable with the decision to end their lives. This acceptance shows in the form of carelessness and relief. Continue to care for a suicidal person through this time, and monitor them to make sure that they don't start putting any destructive thoughts into action.
How to Comfort a Suicidal Person
Su***de isn't an easy topic to discuss with someone you love. However, starting the conversation with a person who is suffering from self-destructive thoughts is a necessary first step towards recovery. To make the task less daunting, we've compiled a list of things you should keep in mind when you approach a loved one to discuss his or her mental health.
Focus on the person, not the illness. A suicidal person may feel threatened if you question their mental health abruptly. Let them know that you are only approaching them out of concern. Try these conversation starters to ease into the discussion:
"I've been feeling concerned about you lately."
"I noticed that you've been acting a little strangely lately. Is everything alright? I'm always here to help."
"You haven't been acting like yourself lately; I thought I might check in to see how you're doing."
Listen to the suicidal person. Though you are there to provide guidance, sometimes all people need to kick-start their journey to recovery is a listening ear. Be receptive to their problems and concerns, and express your understanding.
Don't play the "look on the bright side" card. People can be suicidal regardless of how well their lives are going. Highlighting how well their lives are going in an attempt to convince them to appreciate life will only make them feel guilty about their self-destructive thoughts.
Refrain from arguing with your loved one. Confronting suicidal people with arguments to live could make them feel isolated, as though no one understands their point of view.
Offer reassurance that suicidal feelings can pass. Letting people who experience suicidal thoughts know that their suffering doesn't have to end with death opens up an opportunity for them to seek treatment. It will also alleviate the feeling of entrapment that comes with self-destructive thoughts.
Let them know that you are there for them. Your main role as a friend in this situation is to show the suicidal person that they are not alone with their illness. Expressing your desire to help them through their struggles will be their greatest source of comfort.
For more information about caring for people who suffer from self-destructive thoughts, contact the Canadian Association for Su***de Prevention.
If you are suicidal and need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to call one of Ontario's su***de help lines. Some common hotlines are listed below:
Call 211 or 211.ca
Connex: 1-866-531-2600
LGBTQ Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6860
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support: 1-844-777-3571
Distress Centres – dcontario.org to find the closest Distress Centre to you
Canadian Mental Health – cmha.ca
