Breathe

To Raise Awareness

 

Public discussion on suicide only seems to take place after a tragic death has been publicized by the media. For example, the suicide note of Leelah Alcorn was shared all over the popular blog site Tumblr. Alcorn was dealing with his transsexual identity and received a negative reaction from his friends and family after coming out. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alcorn’s viral note inspired two more teens to commit suicide. Deemed the "Tumblr Suicides" these stories once again brought the tragic issues of mental illness and suicide underneath the media’s microscope (Inside the Tumblr Suicides). Although there is a lot of controversy surrounding how suicide and mental illness should be portrayed in the media, journalists and psychiatrists can both agree that these issues should be kept open to public discussion, instead of being forgotten until the next death. Yet, throughout the nation, these problems are not being properly addressed. In the United States, “… the rate … by 2013 stood at 12.6 deaths per 100,000” (AFSP). By sharing information and opinions on the matter, I believe that society can help lower the ever growing national suicide rate.

 

To  Bring Understanding and Support

 

It can be hard to understand why someone would want to hurt themselves. The million dollar question for most researchers is how someone gets to the point of self-harm and suicide, especially when they have so much apparent potential and life ahead of them. The tragic thing is, there’s never an easy answer. Triggers for depression and stress could be linked to anything, including genetic predisposition, home life, media exposure, and internet use. The most important thing for family and friends to do is recognize when their loved one is suffering from depression and act. Sonia Livingston, a British researcher and psychologist, states that, “In short, it is commonly held that at best, social networking is time-wasting and socially isolating, and at worst it allows pedophiles to groom children in their bedroom or sees teenagers lured into suicide pacts while parents think they are doing homework.” The important phrase to note in her argument is “commonly held”. I believe that the perception of suicide, especially on social media and television, Dr. Livingston goes on to argue for taking on a “child-centered” perspective. “The analysis should acknowledge young people’s experiences, and… situate their social networking practices within an account of the changing conditions of childhood and youth” (Risky Opportunities). I hope to contribute to this idea. I believe that by taking on the perspective of the individual, society can change for the better.