Let's Talk Suicide: Setting Off

Launch of the Frank J. Hecker |

Source: Library of Congress / Public Domain

So let's start this off. Suicide. Not a typical subject of chit-chat and casual conversation. Think about it, it's not something you hear about in the news as often as murder and it doesn't collect nearly as much public discussion or awareness as cancer or other physical illnesses. But it's estimated that worldwide, deaths as a result of suicide match the total number of deaths by homicide and breast cancer combined.

About one in every 500 people attempt suicide every year. What was the size of your high school graduating class? How many people lived in your college dormitory? Now consider the likelihood that one of those people, someone you know, has attempted or will attempt suicide at some point in their life.

So why don't we talk about suicide more than we do? Well, for many people, it still seems more inscrutable and inexplicable than murder. Scientists still face the problem of curing cancers and other diseases, but it's widely understood that these physical illnesses have direct biological causes that can be observed and measured. Many mental illnesses, on the other hand, are still a complete enigma to scientific study. This goes as well with our thoughts, motivations, and emotions. The brain and nervous system are naturally more mysterious and difficult to study than the other systems of the human body. As we know, suicide is most often committed by those in utmost despair, a consequence of stress and/or often comorbid mental disorders (e.g. unipolar or bipolar depression, schizophrenia, drug abuse, and alcoholism). In many Western and individualistic cultures, suicide can bring thoughts of great shame and embarrassment. By contrast, in many Near and Far Eastern and collectivist cultures, suicide may be committed out of honor, respect, or protest.

This blog was purposefully created as a sanctum of free discussion and education on the topic of suicide. Here, we can discuss the historical and contemporary issues of suicide as well as the news and research relating to it. We welcome comments and suggestions.

Have a question or comment for the author? Email Sam at essessnine97@gmail.com.