Some thoughts on suicide by Kristian Shallcross & Mags Beardow

Many of us of have, do or will have thoughts about suicide at some point in our lives. Even if they were only fleeting thoughts. There are many issues left that remain a taboo, suicide is no doubt one of them. It’s still something that we don’t ‘talk’ enough about. Rarely is it (if not ever) a subject that we speak openly about. It’s unlikely used to open up conversation ‘Hi, what are your views on suicide’ to the random person sat next to us on the train.

Huge stigma still remains, shame being a reason people feel they can’t talk about it. Some don’t know who to talk to and others wouldn’t or don’t know what to say if they could. Many will have experienced the feeling that living has become too overwhelming or that it no longer offers what it once did. Many will leave a note, drop a text, many won’t whilst others will just disappear. The reasons for suicide are as wide and as varied as there are stars in the sky. There is certainly no universal law, many will be far too young, missed and most will be loved. For those left behind there may be a lifetime of questions, most of which will be left unanswered. Feelings of shock, bewilderment, confusion and anger are natural when someone has passed away through suicide.

Sometimes suicide is the only control that a person has in their life. It can be an empowering act, to take the ultimate control, over whether they live or die. This can be reasons of terminal illness, a choice where no other exists. The only choice is to die at a time and in a way of their choosing. This can be difficult to understand for those left behind. Incomprehensible that someone chooses to die over living, the opposite of all our human instincts. For most this will no doubt feel a lonely place to be. There is a lot of benefit in examining, exploring and having suicidal thoughts heard by another. Taking things out of the box and laying them bare, can be a cathartic and relieving experience.

We appreciate this may not have been an easy read, it may be very close to home. Doing what you need to do for you is important. Today is a day for kindness, to check in with yourself, others, maybe someone who’s been on your mind recently. They might really need you and you may need them. Take care.

Kristian & Mags