The Conversations That Could Save a Life (World Suicide Prevention Day)

Written By Tolu Balogun

What Do Suicide and Suicide Attempts Mean?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes suicide as death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt, on the other hand, occurs when someone harms themselves with the intent to end their life but does not die as a result.

World Suicide Prevention Day aims to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented. It provides an opportunity not only to remember those we have lost to suicide, but also to consider how we can create spaces and communities where people feel safe enough to speak about emotional pain, difficult life circumstances, mental health concerns, or suicidal thoughts.

Sometimes, a simple question such as, “how are you doing?”, accompanied by a genuine willingness to listen can be far more meaningful than we realize.

In Nigeria, where conversations about mental health and suicide can still be shaped by stigma, religious beliefs, cultural expectations, and fear of judgment, creating safe spaces for honest conversations is especially important.

The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day has focused on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”

A narrative which, is the way we understand or make sense of something, is important because it influences how we respond to it.

In many Nigerian communities, the stigma surrounding suicide means that people may avoid talking about it or may feel hesitant to acknowledge it. But if we avoid talking about suicide or acknowledging why and how it happens, does that mean it does not exist?

Of course not.

This is why it is important to examine the narratives and responses surrounding suicide and consider how we can change them.

Common Fears Around Talking About Suicide

“But I wouldn't know what to say!”

This is understandable. But here is what you should know, a perfect conversation isn't necessary.

What matters most is responding with empathy, compassion, and patience. You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply being present and willing to listen can make a significant difference.

“If I ask them about suicide, I might put the idea in their head.”

Contrary to this common fear, asking someone directly about suicide does not plant the idea in their mind. Instead, it can communicate that you have noticed their pain and that you care enough to ask.

What matters is how you ask.

Remember: empathy, compassion, and patience.

“I am not qualified to have this conversation.”

You do not need to be a mental-health professional to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about.

If you can approach them with empathy, compassion, and patience, you can begin the conversation. Simply creating an opportunity for someone to talk about what they are experiencing can be meaningful.

This is a helpful resource, particularly for conversations with children, but can also provide useful guidance when supporting adults:

Recognizing When Someone May Need Help

Creating a safe space for someone to speak about their pain can be the beginning of much needed support and safety. You can begin with an observation expressed from a place of genuine care such as:

“I’ve noticed that you don’t seem quite like yourself lately, and I wanted to check in because I care about you.”

In some other situations, based on what you have observed, it is okay to ask a more direct question such as:

“Have you been having thoughts of suicide? I’m asking not from a place of judgment, but from a place of care.”

Starting that conversation communicates to the person that they do not have to face their pain alone because help and support are available.

It is better to start that conversation than to remain silent because of fear.

Depending on the situation, it may be important to encourage the person to seek support from a mental-health professional, a crisis service, or emergency services if there is immediate danger.

Practical support can also make seeking help feel less overwhelming. You could sit with them while they make the call or help them find professional support.

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In Summary;

You don't need to be an expert to care about someone.

You can start by listening or asking.

Sometimes, the conversation we are afraid to have is the conversation someone desperately needs.

A conversation may not solve everything. But it can remind someone that they are seen, heard, cared for, and not alone. It can also give the courage and support to get necessary help.

References

Tolu Balogun
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