10 September every year is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.
Introduction
Suicide, a menacing and perplexing global crisis, casts a long, ominous shadow over individuals and societies worldwide. Each year, over 700,000 lives succumb to its chilling grip, and the ripples of this epidemic extend far beyond mere statistics, leaving countless others grappling with the devastating emotional, social, and economic aftermath.
In the triennial period spanning from 2021 to 2023, World Suicide Prevention Day delivers a poignant theme: “Creating Hope Through Action.” This resonating call to arms serves as a powerful testament to the existence of a path out of the black hole of suicide. It signals that, through our collective endeavours, we have the power to ignite the flames of hope and bolster our defences against this perilous threat.
Creating Hope Through Action
The theme, “Creating hope through action,” transcends mere words; it offers a lifeline to those teetering on the precipice of despair. It sends a resounding message to individuals ensnared in the clutches of suicidal thoughts—a message resonating with hope, care, and unwavering support. It serves as a reminder that every action, regardless of its scale, has the potential to breathe life into those wrestling with the darkness.
Urgent Public Health Imperative
Most significantly, this theme underscores that suicide prevention is not a lofty ideal but an urgent public health imperative. Swift, concerted efforts are imperative to reverse the alarming mortality rates that suicide leaves in its wake. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners are steadfast in their commitment to aiding countries in translating this urgency into tangible measures capable of turning the tide against suicide.
The Australian Context
Turning our focus to the Australian context reveals an ongoing struggle. Stark statistics expose the pervasive reach of suicide, with one in two young people affected by it before reaching 25 years of age. On a global scale, it stands as the 15th leading cause of death—a haunting testament to its omnipresence. The situation takes a grim turn when we confront disparities such as the disheartening reality that Indigenous Australians face suicide rates twice as high as their non-Indigenous counterparts. Furthermore, the burden of elevated mental health struggles and suicide risks weighs heavily on LGBTIQ individuals, laden with the baggage of discrimination and stigma.
In the midst of Australia’s ongoing struggle against the spectre of suicide, organisations such as Suicide Prevention Australia, WHO, Lifeline Australia, the National Suicide Prevention Office, and Beyond Blue have emerged as beacons of hope. They tirelessly work towards creating a society where mental health is prioritised, stigma is dismantled, and every individual finds the support they need.
These organisations exemplify the spirit of unity and empathy, urging us all to join hands in creating a future where suicide is a distant memory. As we acknowledge their dedication, we must also recognise that supporting their noble efforts is a shared responsibility. It is through our contributions, both in terms of donations and active participation, that we can bolster their mission. Together, we can forge a path toward a brighter, more hopeful future where the shadow of suicide is lifted, and every life is cherished.
The Shroud of Stigma
At the core of this intricate challenge lies the pervasive shroud of stigma, an intangible yet formidable barrier that enshrouds suicide. This stigma finds its roots in a profound lack of understanding, which, in turn, begets negative beliefs and attitudes. These toxic sentiments contribute to a destructive cycle characterised by profound shame, persistent misunderstanding, and profound isolation. It is this very shroud of stigma that we must relentlessly pierce and unravel, for it is only through dismantling it that we can truly embrace those who battle suicidal thoughts, offering them the empathy and support they so desperately need.
The Connection with Unemployment
This cycle, in turn, fuels a devastating interconnection between unemployment and suicidality. Mental illness stigma becomes a formidable barrier to gaining employment, exacerbating the risk of suicidal ideation. Individuals grappling with mental health issues face public stigma daily, leading to self-stigmatization and an ever-present fear of discrimination — a perilous combination that fosters suicidal thoughts.
The Multifaceted Approach
In our relentless battle against the fortress of suicide stigma, it is imperative that we embrace a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. At the forefront of this strategy stand education and awareness, serving as our most potent weapons in this struggle. Knowledge, we must recognise, is the cornerstone upon which we can dismantle the foundations of stigma. It empowers individuals to challenge misconceptions and biases, fostering a more compassionate and informed society.
However, education alone cannot suffice. To succeed, we must also nurture the growth of compassion and empathy within our communities. These qualities are the lifeblood of understanding, providing the antidote to the toxicity of discrimination. In this transformed environment, we can replace the seeds of marginalisation with the fertile soil of acceptance. It is only through this collective effort, where individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts are embraced, not alienated, that we can hope to dismantle the walls of suicide stigma and create a world where every life is valued and cherished.
The Path Forward
In our relentless pursuit of “Creating Hope Through Action,” we have the power to shatter the chains of silence that have for too long bound suicide in stigma. It’s a mission that transcends mere words and necessitates tangible efforts. By fostering a society that values knowledge and understanding, we can dismantle the fortress of stigma brick by brick. Education and awareness are our foremost weapons in this endeavour, for knowledge is the key to eradicating stigma. Simultaneously, we must cultivate a culture where compassion and empathy flourish while discrimination withers away. This transformation will give rise to a nurturing environment where individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts are embraced rather than marginalised.
As we embark on this journey, let us remember that each act of compassion and each moment of understanding contributes to the symphony of hope we seek to create. Together, we can transform a world where suicide is met with stigma into a world where lives are saved, one compassionate action at a time. Our path forward is clear – it is a path marked by empathy, knowledge, and unwavering support, a path that holds the promise of a brighter future for all.
Unveiling the Potential of Anti-Stigma Programs
Studies have illuminated the potential of programs designed to help individuals navigate the labyrinth of stigma (Corrigan et al., 2012; Thornicroft et al., 2009; Oexle et al., 2018). These programs offer a lifeline, aiding those with mental health challenges in managing the stigma they face. By bolstering their ability to cope with stigma, we can potentially enhance suicide prevention outcomes. Future research should delve into the short- and long-term effects of such interventions on suicidality. Additionally, exploring the role of stigma coping mechanisms, such as secrecy, and understanding the emotional consequences, including hopelessness and loneliness, can provide valuable insights into the intricate relationship between stigma components and suicidal ideation.
The research by Corrigan et al. (2012) and Thornicroft et al. (2009) underscores how both public and individual aspects of stigma contribute significantly to suicidal ideation, especially among unemployed individuals contending with mental health issues. A crucial insight revealed by Oexle et al. (2018) is that individual stigma components serve as complete mediators between public stigma and suicidal ideation. Moreover, a greater experience of discrimination heightened self-stigma and anticipated discrimination, both of which, in turn, fuelled thoughts of suicide. While we initially anticipated a similar pattern for perceived stigma.
Structural Stigma and Discrimination
Structural stigma has been defined as the ‘societal-level conditions, cultural norms, and institutional practices that constrain the opportunities and wellbeing for stigmatised populations’ (Hatzenbuehler & Link, 2014, p.2). Inequity and injustice for those with mental illness are so widespread and normalized within society that ‘…stigma is no longer dependent on individual action; instead, disadvantage and exclusion are routinely perpetrated by institutional systems.’ (Livingston, 2013, p.9).
Structural stigma represents a pervasive, deeply ingrained issue within our societal fabric. It is more than just individual biases or prejudices; it encompasses the very conditions, norms, and practices embedded in our culture and institutions that systematically restrict opportunities and well-being for those already burdened by stigma. This insidious form of discrimination against individuals with mental illness has become so endemic that it transcends individual actions and becomes an inherent part of institutional systems. In this landscape, inequity and injustice against this marginalised group are not sporadic but rather routine, underscoring the urgency of our collective efforts to dismantle these ingrained prejudices and promote a more inclusive and just society.
The Call to Action
The battle against suicide stigma is far from over. As we uncover its secrets and harness the power of anti-stigma programs, we can break its chains. Let us not falter now. With determination and compassion, we can forge a path towards a world where suicide stigma is a relic of the past, and every individual finds the support and hope they need to overcome their darkest moments.
Suicide prevention is not just a responsibility; it’s a collective call to action. Together, we can break the chains of silence and stigma, forging a world where every life is cherished, and hope is our guiding light. Because in the journey of saving lives, ‘we’ must replace ‘me,’ and one day, ‘we’ will be the beacon of hope for all. As 1 Corinthians 12:26 (NIV) beautifully reminds us, ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.’ Our lives are interconnected, and by working together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. In the spirit of unity, the Quran also teaches us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11), ‘O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them.’ Let us heed these teachings and stand together in the cause of suicide prevention.
Sources
World Health Organisation
Suicide Prevention Australia
Corrigan PW, Morris SB, Michaels PJ, Rafacz JD, Rüsch N (2012b). Challenging the public stigma of mental illness: a meta-analysis of outcome studies. Psychiatric Services 63, 963–973. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
Thornicroft G, Brohan E, Rose D, Sartorius N, Leese M, the INDIGO Study GroupGlobal pattern of experienced and anticipated discrimination against people with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional survey. The Lancet 373, 408–415. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
Oexle N, Waldmann T, Staiger T, Xu Z, Rüsch N. Mental illness stigma and suicidality: the role of public and individual stigma. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2018 Apr;27(2):169-175
