There will be many people out there who know of someone who has taken their own life. Although disability fares better, talking about suicide is still taboo. There are complex reasons behind why a person feels they cannot continue to live. Touched by suicide, the stigma surrounding suicide must be broken down, so that individuals who have been touched by suicide feel more comfortable seeking help and support when they need it and for others to listen without judgment.

When you hear that someone has 'died by suicide' it's a fact and with fact can come understanding. Mental health issues are usually the reason behind why someone would choose to die by suicide.

Education and awareness campaigns

Education and awareness campaigns include better access to mental health services, as well as education and awareness campaigns that help to reduce the isolation and shame that can come with suicide.

For those who struggle with life, thoughts of suicide starts with mental health and mental health isn't something we always tap into or think about in any great detail, until something really bothers us.

Suicide rates have gone up

The rates of suicide have gone up, and the world is inevitably having to think more about it. US suicides hit an all-time high last year, resulting in about 49,500 deaths. (Source: https://www.msn.com) I have been affected by suicide twice. I talk about these things on my blog, because it is important we read and talk about them.

We're assured of death

We are all assured of death, it is how we die that we're not assured of. We're born, we live, we may struggle. Life may be difficult. There is a sense of frustration and distrust in the government and the institutions that are meant to protect and help us.

Many individuals are feeling powerless and voiceless, as they continue to struggle to make sense of the chaos that has been caused by these decisions.

People don't always feel they can sustain life

When it comes to suicide, mental health will be affected, with many feeling life isn't something they can sustain. It is because the world is failing to recognise and accept suicide that it is associated with stigma.

Suicide is not a natural death

Suicide is not a natural death, but the end result is death. To avoid suicide it is important to sustain life comfortably. For those who can't, suicide may be seen as the only option.

If more of us understood suicide, we would judge less, feel different about the person and would have more empathy for the person who couldn't sustain their life and their families.

Taking ones own life is a tragic outcome, but it is also a very real and human experience that deserves to be acknowledged and understood.

Dedicated to families who have lost a loved one to suicide.