By Omolola
Suicide is a serious topic that many people avoid. The silence around it creates stigma, and stigma is dangerous. Stigma makes people feel ashamed of their struggles. It tells them to keep quiet, and silence is where hopelessness grows. It is time to break that silence.
What stigma looks like
Stigma shows up in everyday language and attitudes. For example:
- Calling someone “weak” for struggling.
- Saying “they just want attention.”
- Believing that strong faith or willpower alone should be enough.
- Avoiding conversations about suicide because it feels uncomfortable.
For someone already in pain, these words and attitudes can push them further into isolation.
Why conversations matter
Talking about suicide does not encourage it. It does the opposite, actually. Conversations can bring relief because they show people they are not invisible. Asking someone directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” will not put the idea in their head. It might give them the courage to open up.
When we treat mental health the same way we treat physical health, we create space for people to get help without fear or shame.
How young people can fight stigma
- Challenge harmful words. If someone dismisses suicide as “drama,” speak up and remind them it is serious.
- Normalise real check-ins. Ask your friends how they are really doing. Go beyond “I’m fine.”
- Share resources. Use your social media to post helplines, supportive content, and positive messages. Someone scrolling might need it more than you realise.
- Be compassionate. Even if you do not fully understand someone’s pain, your kindness can make a difference.
The truth about suicide
Suicide is not about weakness. It is about unbearable pain. People do not want to end their lives; they want to end their suffering. By breaking stigma, we make it easier for people to talk about that pain and to find hope and help
