10th September 2020
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. I have written in the past about my conflicting thoughts on awareness days yet this one is too important not to acknowledge. The reason I have my doubts about the efficacy of such days is grounded in some very cynical thinking admittedly, relating specifically to how they have a tendency to draw out the virtue signallers in the same way Twitter draws out the toxic. The actual sentiment and importance of the message gets misappropriated by those who want to be ‘seen to care’, rather than ‘caring to see’ those who are truly affected.
Pause
It is not unusual to witness someone who claims to be a mental health advocate displaying the same unsympathetic behaviour toward a fellow human being that they themselves claim should be eradicated. Essentially, what it boils down to in a lot of cases, is that the only mental health issues such people care about are their own. If we truly want to reverse the rising tide of suicide then the first step should really be a step back, so we can truly understand the root causes of why this issue is becoming more and more prevalent in the modern age and as a consequence, why only the power of community will be able to address it.
Root Cause
The next step would be facilitating a true understanding and potential rebrand of the term ‘mental health’ and the stigma that persists around it. In my humble opinion, mental health issues should relate exclusively to cognitive complications and syndromes that significantly impair someone’s ability to live an autonomous, independent life. As is our way though, we love a label and a quick and easy soundbite to explain away a complicated issue, therefore we have co-opted this terminology to cover everything from schizophrenia to a short-term stress related incident.
Whilst this may seem like nit-picking, I truly believe that the root cause of conditions such as anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation require lifestyle more so than neurological interventions. By this I mean that both the cause and the solution can be found in how we, as a society, choose to live. Yes, there are underlying biological factors that may mean some of us are more predisposed to these conditions than others, but I would argue that the greatest majority of factors are linked more closely to the systems we have constructed and the difficulties they create.
I look at it more as a type of dysfunctional trauma, due to the fact that we have yet to devise a uniform approach to functioning effectively in the world. Instead, our best efforts have been built upon a scarcity mindset with a survival of the fittest maxim, viewing those who stumble as weak and redundant. This is not how it has to be. It can and should be different.
It does not mean upping the ante in terms of participation trophies. Far from it in fact. Struggle is essential for our growth. Overcoming challenge empowers us and builds resilience for the trials to come. And they will come. Yet manning up is not the catch all solution either. The true answer lies in education, of self and society. Life will throw enough obstacles our way that we do not need to be adding to them by creating issues where none need exist. Addressing how we interact with each other and the things we deem important would be the third and most important step.
The Humanity Clause
There are many convoluted reasons and circumstances that may lead a person down this unfortunate path, yet ultimately, in most instances, the overpowering emotions present will be those of rejection and inadequacy, which is why the message of ‘Be Kind’, so prevalent on social media in the days after the untimely death of Caroline Flack, is so important to grasp. Self-Awareness, critical thinking, relationship resolution, coping skills, personal development, the effects of social inequalities and how to address the needs of those in pain. These are all things we should be teaching in schools and workplaces to help reinforce this message and make it a more subconscious way of being.
The recent death of Chadwick Boseman provides yet more proof that you can never tell what is going on behind the veil therefore our principles should always override our perceptions. Consider this when you are fighting for that next promotion, when a relationship is on rocky ground, when you feel someone has not met your expectations or when your own internal strife permeates your external life in an unhelpful and unhealthy manner. None of us are perfect, everyone will falter but the goal should be to make that the exception rather than the rule and strive to treat everyone with the respect and dignity they deserve. This is the Humanity Clause we should all sign up to but as in all things, nuance is required here as it should not extend to those who may abuse or take advantage of you.
One final sobering insight on what is a very emotive subject for all. While suicide is rising across gender and age groups, it is a fact that men account for three quarters of the fatalities with the rate highest among the middle aged. The Samaritans have produced an powerful report about why that may be. I know I certainly agree with their findings and would encourage you all to take the time to read and reflect upon it.
They along with so many other great organisations are out there leading the line with compassion and grace. Please take the time to visit their websites and support their efforts.
The more awareness we can raise, the more lives we can save.
Take Aim, Transform, Transcend…
Skywards…
Commentaires