When someone commits suicide, the world pauses in its tracks and comes to aid the victim’s family and friends. However, the stigmatization surrounding suicidal thoughts and behaviors is ever-growing and causes psychological and emotional scars for those who experience these suicidal thoughts and feelings. Stereotyping and stigmatization of brain health conditions are rooted in fear and misunderstanding resulting in a detrimental toll on the psyche of suicide survivors. There are many fallacies connected to suicidal behaviors and we would like to deconstruct those. In order to challenge these myths, here are some ways in which we can differentiate suicide and suicidal thoughts.
Suicide Suicidal
Considered a tragedy Considered attention seeking
Everyone feels bad Everyone feels irritated
Everyone wishes they “saw the signs” Everyone tries to avoid them
Everyone wishes they hadn’t done it No one believes they’ll ever do it
Dismissal of suicidal thoughts and behaviors has become normalized reacting in an increase in hopelessness and despair among those who experience suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts/behaviors MUST be taken seriously, and by doing so, lives can be saved. It takes a ton of courage for a person to reach out about their struggles; when someone belittles this as “attention-seeking” then this further perpetuates the stigma and ostracization. Suicidal ideations are not a choice, and we need to listen and provide the appropriate resources for proper treatment. Prevalence and seriousness should be acknowledged and shared through supportive conversations. By increasing our awareness of societal biases against suicidal thoughts and behaviors, then we can be more consciously aware of the struggles and create a support system to aid a person through their journey. Suicidal thoughts are the precursor to action for suicide hence compassion and understanding on our part can interrupt a very slippery slope that a person may be on.
Healthy Within is an integrative brain health center, experienced in incorporating neurofeedback to help people re-engage in their wholeness and wellness. We also help clients with ADHD, PTSD, depression, concussions, OCD, stroke, dementia and more!
Contact us for more information about how we can help you get your mind back to functioning at its calm, confident self.
