Taylor Ontong from Brandcliff House school writes about society needing to be more aware of intrusive thoughts around suicide. She also encourages elders and parents to be more present and supportive of their children and young adults as we are living through stressful times.
She writes:
Suicide. A topic that is not freely or openly spoken about.
What does society think about suicide?
Many people think of it as just a person physically ending their own life.
Today’s generation is known to mainly prioritise their mental health over anything else. This is due to suicide and other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety being so common.
Being suicidal is known to be a common mental health issue in these modern times. I want to bring to society’s attention that there is more than one form of feeling suicidal.
Many of us have probably never heard of the term ‘passive suicidal ideation’ before. That might be because it is not as commonly used as ‘active suicidal ideation’. As a result of this, many people simply categorise themselves as ‘suicidal’ not knowing that there is a difference.
Ideation is a simple word used to describe thoughts. Passive suicidal ideation may be characterised as having thoughts such as ‘I can’t do this anymore’, ‘I hope the car crashes’, or wishing you don’t wake up the next day and that everyone would be better off without you.
Someone with these thoughts does not take action to make them come true. It is wanting to live but wanting to end your life at the same time. If you were in a situation where your life was about to end, you would rather surrender and accept it than fight it.
Whereas active suicidal ideation is wanting to end your life, and doing everything in your ability to accomplish that.
We need to be more aware of the people around us, especially our loved ones who are suffering in silence and walking around with these thoughts because passive suicidal ideation is just as significant as active suicidal ideation.
Parents and elders – it is not just a phase. It is a reality and comes with the world we live in today.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, speak to a therapist or call the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 0800 567 567.
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