Addressing the Stigma
There are many factors that contribute to the stigma surrounding suicide, including cultural and social beliefs, fear, and misinformation. Some of the main causes of suicide stigma include:
Lack of understanding: Many people do not understand the underlying causes of suicide and may believe that it is a choice or a weakness rather than a complex mental health issue.
Fear of contagion: Suicide is often seen as a contagious act, and people may fear that talking about it openly will encourage others to take their own lives.
Social and cultural beliefs: Suicide is often seen as a taboo topic in many cultures, and there may be a belief that it is a sin or a moral failing rather than a medical condition.
Stigmatization of mental illness: Mental illness is often stigmatized in society, and people with mental health conditions may be seen as weak or unstable.
Language: The language used to describe suicide and mental illness can also contribute to stigma. For example, using terms like “committing suicide” can imply that it is a criminal act rather than a medical issue.
Overall, suicide stigma can have harmful consequences, including preventing people from seeking help and contributing to feelings of shame and isolation for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. It is important to educate ourselves and others about the realities of suicide and to work towards creating a more supportive and understanding society.
How SAD-DOG can help your workforce understand
- What is suicide?
- Is suicide a choice?
- Is suicide a selfish act?
- Do people who are suicidal feel guilt?
- Is suicide a crime?
- Raise awareness of suicide and increase skills to provide confidence in how to approach the subject of suicide.
- Our aim is to increase knowledge, skills and confidence, while challenging the stigma that can be a barrier to people at risk accessing help and keeping safe.
- The course gives a better understanding mental health and suicide.