Suicide has been affecting society for centuries. Breaking the stigma surrounding it and raising awareness can encourage people to seek the help that they need.

As a society, we need to get better about preventing this epidemic from continuing.  There are plenty of ways we can help ourselves and each other.  One of the most effective ways we can stop stigmatizing suicide is by stopping making jokes out of it. Suicide is no laughing matter, and yet many members of Gen Z treat it as something that’s completely fine to make jokes about.  This only makes suicidal people feel more self-conscious, and it’s just inappropriate in general.

Another thing people need to work on is treating suicide victims with more empathy.  Many people say that suicide is selfish or attention-seeking behavior, which is a very narrow-minded claim to make. People commit suicide because they are so unhappy with life that they simply cannot handle it anymore. We should treat each other with more respect and understanding, rather than assuming that someone has bad intentions when they make this regrettable decision.

There are plenty of resources out there that you can utilize if you ever need help.  Whether you or someone you love is struggling with suicidality, it’s best to go to a therapist, counselor, or a trusted adult for advice. Here at SUNY Oswego, the Mary Walker Counseling Center is the perfect place to go for a situation like this. There are also hotlines and resources online you can always use in case of emergency. Don’t be afraid to call 911 if someone you know is actively a danger to themselves!

This September, be sure to help erase the stigma around suicide by speaking up about it.  You could save somebody’s life.