Let’s be a little kinder this week.
Let’s reach over to someone who seems a little down or who would just benefit from a bit of human caring.
This week includes two awareness days: World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day.
Together, they elevate the importance of caring and connecting with others and remind us there are still far too many people who feel they cannot go on.
They remind us that all lives matter and that loneliness and isolation can be as debilitating as disease and injury.
The good news is evidence shows we can all help simply by reaching over and connecting.
Weeks like this one should remind us that just like a broken bone mends or a virus passes, tough times do not last and sadness eases.
Sometimes, we just need some help to get through.
The adage is true: when one door closes, another will open – but it can be lonely and isolating in the hallway.
Psychologist Dr Helen Stallman and I recently had a paper published in Pacific Journalism Review: Te Koakoa in which we considered the use of words in public communications around mental illness and suicide.
We found that despite having media guidelines to try to prevent harm for more than 25 years, the suicide rate in Australia is still shockingly high – far more people die this way than on our roads.
Health experts view suicide as a preventable cause of death.
We know from research and the sharing of survivors’ experiences that it is too often a permanent response to temporary problems.
We must do better, and words really matter because they affect perceptions of difficulties.
We need to remove the language of blame, we should normalise distress and promote healthy coping strategies.
For example, many people feel sad at various stressful points in their lives – it can be a natural response to loss.
Let’s not confuse that with major depressive disorder.
It is important we call things what they are.
Let’s stop pathologising unpleasant emotions.
And, most of all, let’s try to care and connect with those around us: it might help to keep them safe.
Visit ruok.org.au.
If you need support, call the Beyond Blue support service on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14
Dr Jane Stephens is a UniSC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer.
