A Perspective on Suicide

I'd like to share some thoughts about suicide. This most heartbreaking topic is one that needs more understanding. A common understanding with suicide is that it may be attributed to someone suffering with major depressive disorder or the commonly used term of "depression." This may be the case; a person may have severe depression, suicidal ideation, and ultimately complete or attempt suicide.

Today, I want to discuss some less talked about human experiences that may also lead to suicide. I believe this is important because we need to be able to see the whole life experience of a person. A person may be experiencing loneliness, loss of connection, or shame. They may be experiencing hardship due to medical or psychological conditions, including chronic pain and chronic illness. Or hardship due to poverty, abuse, or overwhelming challenges. Life can be difficult at times, and for some of us it can be difficult for a substantial amount of time.

It is so valuable and important to have connection to others who care, who support, who listen, who don't judge--that we must make it a priority to reach out to others and facilitate this connection. It is also so important to create hope through such things as relief, solutions, support, teaching, compassion, and installation of mastership.

If you are struggling yourself and feeling a sense of hopelessness in your life, look for the small bits of hope amid the struggles. Please reach out and talk about things--I promise you--you are not alone! You are not broken! And you are worthy of love and connection.

If you notice someone who is struggling--this takes awareness and empathy because people are really good at hiding their struggles at times--reach out, connect, listen, support, care. We are all human and we all have times of struggle. Sometimes some of us have more than others. Let's prevent as many suicides as we can because living matters.

-Audrey South, LCSW