It is not every one who has suicidal tendencies that look broken, the signs are not obvious to say the least. Funny enough the society expects struggling people to look visibly sad but, in many cases, it is not always that way and many people fail to recognize this. Some people who are broken manage to continue going about their normal business, one may think that everything is fine, they reply to messages, post pictures online, laugh with friends, and show up for everyone around them while privately fighting battles no one sees, pain on its own does not always announce itself. Carl Jung a Swiss psychiatrist pointed this out in this quote, “The greatest wounds are often the ones we hide from the world.”
Modern life has shaped a culture whereby people feel pressured to look like everything is fine. Social media on its own though it has its good aspect does not help matters, it has continually intensified the pressure, people carefully edit their life and versions of them that they want out there in the public. In the social media we see all kinds of vacations, luxury, achievements, success stories and all what not. But in all of these many still believe that social media life is fake and does not represent happiness so to speak. Everyone literally is connected online but in real life most people are lonely desperately in need of help but fake life and fake smiles on social media have made it difficult to know that some people are actually are on red alert. This article comes in handy to create awareness, empathy and conversation around this subject matter.
Social media has become one of the biggest culprits,
many young people grow up in cultures that praises achievement, strength and perfection
and social media makes it easier to compare lives, hide emotions and pretend
everything is fine, not asking for help when it is needed. Steven Furtick an American author and pastor
says, “The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our
behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”
In this generation or era, many people have mastered
emotional hiding, they smile while breaking inside. They know how to encourage
others while secretly feeling hopeless themselves. Some people carry emotional
pain so quietly that even people around and close associates or rather family
members do not notice. This maybe as a result of fear of being judged or
misunderstood and probably tagged as weak thus detesting becoming a burden. So
instead of speaking openly, they remain silent and continue carrying pain
alone.
Warning signs of Suicide:
Edwin Shneidman an American clinical psychologist often regarded as one of the founding scholars in suicidology, viewed suicide not simply as a desire to die, but as an attempt to escape unbearable psychological pain, which he called ‘psychache.’ From his perspective, warning signs are often emotional and behavioral cries for relief rather than direct announcements of suicidal intent. He explained that many people considering suicide may begin to withdraw emotionally, feel trapped, lose interest in life, give away possessions, speak hopelessly about the future, or suddenly appear unusually calm after prolonged distress. According to him, one of the greatest mistakes societies makes is assuming suicidal people will always “look broken” externally. Many continue functioning normally while silently battling intense inner pain. He famously stated that “Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources for coping with pain.”
Similarly, Thomas Joiner, an American clinical psychologist argues that suicidal individuals often feel like a burden to others and experience deep disconnection or loneliness. From his perspective, warning signs may include statements like “people would be better off without me,” isolation from loved ones, emotional numbness, reckless behavior, or a noticeable loss of hope. The two perspectives emphasize that suicide warning signs are not always loud or dramatic but hidden sometimes beneath smiles, productivity, humour, and everyday routines.
The Importance of conversations around Mental Health
Mental health conversations more than ever before are very
important now because silence can become dangerous. People sometimes do not
need perfect advice or grand solutions. All they simply need is someone willing
to genuinely listen without judging. A sincere and heartfelt conversation, a
kind message, ‘How are you really doing?’ may look so simple to say but it can
bring a relief to someone out there. It can make someone to believe that
somebody actually cares for them. The power of human connection is often
underestimated and this has become necessary because many are emotionally
exhausted, feeling seen and understood matters deeply, kindness and compassion
matter too.
John Green an American author says, “There is hope, even
when your brain tells you there isn’t.” In other words, healing is possible
even when life feels unbearably heavy. Sometimes, emotional pain can convince
people that things will never get better, but feelings are temporary even when
they feel permanent. The simple truth is that there is hope beyond dark
moments, recovery is possible. This may not happen overnight but small steps
can add up towards healing. Steps like opening up to someone dependable,
seeking therapy, resting, connecting with supportive people, praying, can be of
immense help towards recovery.
Many people around us are fighting silent battles we know nothing about and that is just the truth so empathy matters a lot. Check up on people this is very important and most importantly, conversations about mental health should never be ignored as you may never fully know what someone is going through. Someone can be smiling and still feel empty, look successful and still feel hopeless, appear strong and still be struggling to survive emotionally. It is worthy of note that the silent side of suicide is not always noticeable, but that does not make it any less real.
Lastly, for anyone currently battling in silence, remember that your pain deserves support, your life has value, and your story is not over yet, open up and don’t resort to taking your life.
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