September: Suicide Prevention Month

As the end of suicide prevention month approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to remember the lives of those who have passed, those who are struggling, and those who have been affected by loss.

It is often said that people who take their own lives are selfish, and this concept is especially prominent in traditional households that believe mental illness is fake. However, this is far from the truth and extremely disrespectful to those who have already passed. While it is true that suicide is a choice, it is caused by a build-up of various factors that make their daily lives difficult. Those who struggle with suicidal thoughts are not weak, selfish, or lazy. It is important to acknowledge this in order to honor the legacy of those who we have already lost to suicide and to allow others to open up about their own struggles. Suicide can happen to anyone, regardless of their profession, grades, age, or home circumstances, no matter how strong, kind, hard-working, or smart they are. Looking down on and ignoring the effects of mental illness only prevents people from speaking out about their experiences and is essentially an insult to those who have struggled with these issues.

Although many have never been exposed to the impacts of suicide, it is also important to recognize that this is a real thing that affects the daily lives of others. Before they are “people who committed suicide,” they are daughters, sons, friends, peers, students, mothers, fathers, grandparents, loved ones, and so on. The point is that death not only affects one person, but it also causes a ripple effect. Despite the fact that it is rarely discussed, suicide loss survivors have to deal with their grief and carry on with their lives no matter how much they are struggling. One day, one week, one month, two years, a decade. Regardless of how much time passes, the amount of pain caused by loss often remains the same. Time may pass, but grief does not. So if you know someone who is affected by loss, reaching out to them and checking on how they are doing can go a long way.

Overall, keep in mind that mental illness is a real thing that affects everyone in various ways. Treating someone kindly can also make a drastic difference in their lives. And most importantly, remember that struggling with a problem does not determine how strong or weak you are.