Ending The Stigma Of Suicide
Suicide rates are continuing to increase for adolescents and young adults. Between 1994-2014, the rate has increased 24%. Because of the stigma, suicide rates may be underreported, resulting in a higher number than is currently estimated.
The highest suicide rates are in white males above the age of 65. It is believed that this age group suffers from issues such as life satisfaction v.s. despair on not having lived a productive and fulfilling life. The elderly also suffer from depression, loneliness, medical conditions, neglect and abuse!
On the other hand, adolescents are committing suicide because of multiple factors: drug and alcohol abuse, strict parenting that results in too much pressure at school, bullying and peer pressure.
Adolescents are a particular vulnerable group because their frontal lobe has not finished developing; the frontal lobe is responsible for judgement and decision-making, hence why adolescents tend to get into trouble.
They also start identifying less with their parents and more with their peers; this is the time for them to mold their personality and fit into a group of young people that share similar interests.
It is important for parents not to lose touch with their teenagers once they enter this time of their life; allowing them to swim too far off shore may cause them to never return.
We need to become open about how we feel inside. We need to become open about suicidal thoughts and feelings. The stigma of mental health is decreasing but not fast enough to keep up with the increasing death rates and mental complications.
We need to come together and be honest with each other. There is nothing to be embarrassed about; sharing may save someone’s life.
Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)
DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully) 