Suicide is a complex problem that requires a range of preventative measures and methods of evaluation. Often these insights come after the end. We can learn from many that have walked the tightrope and manage to wobble to the other side because they are still here to provide insight. From those that slipped and could not find a path beyond the demons, we learn little even if mental illness was present or a note to loved ones followed upon act completion (Overholser et al., 2018).
In the span of a few days, we have lost two influencers on world culture. Kate Spade for her minimalist sense of fashion and functionality. Simple product, female leader. Anthony Bourdain whose culinary voice overflowed with humor and taste... in so many ways. I confess, my dream dinner date was to be with him, Barack Obama and Eric Ripet. Sadly, I will now only need a table for three.
Recent celebrity suicides: When these tragic events come to pass tributes flood in, writing or speaking of the past one's cultural significance (Burgess et al., 2018). Kind words that hold no generational boundaries, recollections, change of life moments, or even thanks for having a part, no matter how big or small. We look at media outlets, formal newscast, social networks, and a flood of tributes soak our screens (Burgess et al., 2018). Often, the immediate saturated coverage is more robust in comparison to the coverage of their line of work successes. What if these nods of affection got to them before they engaged in the final ending? We live in an age where messages, images can be sent with lightning speed. There is also a trend of letting go of media and taking time to reconnect with those most important to us, no matter how many miles and minutes separate them, as being ever-connected causes anxiety (Vannucci et al., 2017). As those in media know, we are forever wielding a double-edged sword. To be clear, praise is not a cure-all, but understanding you are not alone does provide some semblance of an anchor. For some, wanting/needing support should be clarified as to not be burdensome (Bell et al., 2018).
As suicide continues to be on the rise, most are left to wonder what they could have done, shared or even prevented. It is a natural act to look back on the situation. Advice today? Pay it forward with words. It might help to tell those that are a part of your life exactly what they mean to you as a person and/or how they changed your life.
I will forever be haunted by this myself for personal reasons. As a teenager, my grandmother took her own life well before her time. Fuzzy in memory, but still buried, I recall being a terse and cranky teenager as she was leaving my house to head home. The next day, she was gone. She spoke to me as an equal, praised my curiosity for learning, made chicken soup for breakfast and allowed me to roam her property looking for wild black raspberries... If only I could say:
"Gran'ma you were and still are one of the most exceptional examples of human gentleness and class that ever crossed my path. I could never hope to display the same unique charms you provided to my daughter. But for you, I will try."
If you tell those you love something like that sooner, maybe they will stay or if anything, think about it.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide consult suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-8255.