In society, it is rare that people will talk about suicide, in particular in social situations. It is seen as a taboo subject, perhaps because it is only in recent years that it has stopped being a crime. It can make people feel uncomfortable, scared and is often a very divisive subject with people having strong opinions.
However, from personal experience if you do raise the subject of suicide, most people will have been touched in some way by issues relating to suicide. Whether this is the person themselves having felt suicidal at some point in their life, or through knowing someone that has committed suicide or made an attempt, it seems to be very common in contemporary society. In fact research conducted by the Samaritans organisation has demonstrated that in the UK suicide rates have been steadily rising over the last decade, and in particular within the male population under the age of thirty five.
In my opinion it is important to encourage people to talk about suicide and that people can feel able to openly talk about suicidal feelings they or people they know are having. However, this is easier said than done due to a number of widely held misconceptions about suicide and suicidal feelings. It is important to remember that:
Suicidal thoughts and feelings can be very distressing for people and it is important to remember that there is help out there and you don’t not have to suffer alone.
– Matthew Shrine, Birmingham Counselling Services.
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