Banishing the Stigma of Suicide
by Justin Benett
Most people dealing with heart disease or cancer wouldn’t hesitate to seek treatment for their health condition. Unfortunately, the same can’t always be said for mental health conditions, with 4912 deaths by suicide registered in 2020 according to the Office for National Statistics. Even though self-harm is one of the nation’s most common health issues, those numbers don’t likely illustrate the full extent of the problem because of the stigma of suicide.
The truth is there shouldn’t be any shame associated with suicide, and many people who die by suicide suffer from a treatable emotional or mental disorder. Fortunately, these conditions can be manageable once you recognise the signs you or a loved one should seek support.
Some factors signalling a person needs help include verbal suicide threats or allusions to suicide, expressions that a person feels hopeless and helpless, or previous suicide attempts. If the danger that you or someone you know may harm themselves seems imminent, you should call 999. Otherwise, mental health organisations, crisis centres, or your primary care provider can often suggest where to seek specialised care.
Treatment Options
Although treatment plans should be individualised according to the diagnosis, psychotherapy often helps reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders that are often the underlying cause for self harm. For example, cognitive behaviour therapy can help people replace negative thought patterns with more positive and productive thoughts and identify specific steps patients can take to deal with their depression.
Healthcare professionals may also prescribe medications that affect certain neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that carry signals between brain cells and impact our mood. Depending on the mood disorder, other types of medications may also be appropriate. For instance, if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, doctors may prescribe mood stabilising and antipsychotic drugs. And your care team may even recommend hospitalisation or a day treatment program to help you get serious symptoms under control.
Self-Help Suggestions
While you should work closely with your healthcare team to control underlying conditions that could lead to suicide, there are steps you can take on your own to boost your mood and help you feel happier and healthier. Here are some suggestions:
Support Groups
Joining a support group can be an excellent way to educate yourself about your diagnosis and symptoms if you have a mood disorder. In addition, being part of a cadre of caring people who can identify with how you are feeling can help you cope with some of the challenges you might face. Your healthcare team will likely be able to help you find a support group that suits your needs.
At the Be Well Collective we offer one-to-one direct support via our Mentoring Young Creatives programme. This initiatives pairs you with an experience mentor and can provide support and improvement to many difference areas of your life.
Furry Friends
Humans aren’t your only source of support. Rover.com recommends petting a dog or cat to boost your body’s level of oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of love and bonding. At the same time, interacting with an animal reduces the level of the stress hormone cortisol. And, if you have a dog, you can compound that effect by including them in your exercise routine, which is good for both your mental and physical health.
Physical Activity
In fact, research shows exercise can help boost your mood by promoting your brain to produce endorphins and other natural chemicals that increase feelings of well-being. Physical activity can also bolster your confidence as you set and meet exercise goals. Exercise can also help you take your mind off your worries and cope with problems in a constructive way.
If you’d rather not travel to a fitness centre, an upgrade like a home gym will allow you to exercise from home (and may even boost your home’s value). Overall, physical activity is a prescription for anyone who wants to approach their mental and physical health holistically.
The takeaway is that if you or someone you love are grappling with thoughts of suicide, you should put stigma aside and seek support — start with this informative video from psychotherapist Liat Kaye. There are plenty of professionals and volunteers, such as Samaritans.org, who can help if you need to speak to someone right away. Although it may not seem like it at the moment, there are plenty of people who want to help — reach out.