Suicide death is an increasingly significant public health issue. Unfortunately, it is also extremely difficult to discuss. Suicide is hard to understand even for experts, and raises significantly more questions than there are available answers. A common approach to resolving the conflict we feel about this discussion is to just not have it at all. And yet, suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States. People are clearly suffering. Healing is needed. Where do we begin?
Recently this newspaper encountered this conflict and chose to communicate facts surrounding a tragic death in this community. Members of the community expressed concern and the publisher then chose to remove the word suicide from the story and apologize. I understand and respect the journalistic motive to tell verified truths amidst intense rumor and speculation, and I also respect and support those who felt fearful and even angry at seeing this headline. There is not a perfect way to respond to a heartbreaking and confusing tragedy like this. There are too many questions and we do the best we can when no answers are available.
Dying by suicide is persistently and unremittingly stigmatized. Stigma literally means a ‘mark of disgrace’. Shameful. Unacceptable. Unspeakable. Is mental illness disgraceful? Should someone be ashamed here? What do we communicate to people suffering with suicidality when we imply tacitly or explicitly that this topic is not up for discussion?
This is not just a word choice issue or a headline issue, it is a societal, all-of-us issue. I encourage the publisher of this paper to not miss the important and timely opportunity to engage in this difficult conversation as you continue to evaluate your role as a news source and community member.
And most importantly, to people experiencing scary, disturbing, or harmful thoughts and those who love them: you are not alone. This is not your fault. Treatment can help, and you deserve to find the therapies and modalities that will work for you. Talk to your healthcare provider, and if they do not have the resources to help you, ask for a referral to someone who does.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health emergency, the fastest way to get help to you is to dial 911. You can also call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK 24 hours a day to speak to someone.
Rachel Allen is a health care provider living in Nelson.