Talking about the unspeakable

CrisisLink post in a TTC subway station, Toronto, Ontario

In recent years there has been a sea change in public discourse about many topics that previously would never be discussed.

Cancer has gone from a topic that was only whispered about to one that people seem to feel almost proud to take ownership of. It has gone from an almost certain death sentence to an increasingly survivable medical condition.

Suicide is seen as a sin in most religions and often regarded as a source of shame for the family.

In 2014, the level of discussion about suicide changed dramatically. The deaths of Robin Williams, Amanda Todd, and Rehtaeh Parsons, and the subsequent level of conversation about suicide has been a refreshing change.

Suicide is often a reaction to situations that people find to be insoluble. If you feel that you can discuss the problems that you are attempting to deal with is often regarded as the first step to finding a solution, or at least finding help.

I'm thankful that suicide is not a solution that I've ever contemplated, but I know that many people are not so lucky. My hope is that anyone facing a crisis seeks help, and that their friends and family pay attention and let their loved ones know that they are not alone in dealing with the obstacles of life.