Mental Health: International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
After hours of trawling the internet researching statistics on mood disorders, depression and suicide for my Extended Project Paper, I found myself engrossed by the latest figures from AFSP, reporting that in 2012 over 40,000 people died from suicide in the United States alone. To Write Love On Her Arms blogger Erin Gillingham earlier this week wrote that it is estimated each of these people will have left behind six "survivors"; family and friends that will be irreversibly changed from the loss of someone close to them. Simple maths dictates that worldwide each year there are in excess of 5 million parents, siblings, partners, friends and loved ones left in such a state of confusion and sadness.
The stigma surrounding suicide continues to limit society's investment in research that will ultimately lead to prevention, yet the vast majority of us, knowingly or not, will be close with someone who has attempted suicide, suffers from a condition that increases the risk of suicide, or admits to suicidal thoughts or tendencies. If we consider suicide prevention on a personal level, there is arguably no one who would allow society's reluctance to address this stigma to continue.
Biologically and psychologically, human nature pioneers survival in every respect. The resolve and strength of individuals in the face of absolute tragedy catalyses change, as a demonstration of never fading hope for those contemplating suicide.
Campaigning for change can only lead so far. Today more than ever calls for a unified front to celebrate life and the past lives of others, so that they may be remembered and celebrated in the future.
