Self-unaliving AKA suicide is not about weakness, it is about being overwhelmed. It is the final act of someone who feels they have been fighting a battle they cannot win, someone who feels defeated. When someone reaches that point, they are not thinking about themselves, they are thinking about ending their pain.
“Suicide is not a selfish act. It is a silent cry for help, a desperate attempt to escape unbearable pain.”
Said, Dr. Thomas Joiner, psychologist and author of Why People Die by Suicide
Hard-Hitting Statistics.. A Global and South African Crisis
Global Impact..
Over 700,000 people die by self-unaliving each year one every 40 seconds.
South Africa..
The suicide rate is among the highest in the world, with over 23,000 deaths annually. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 and older individuals aged 35–65.
Mental Health..
Approximately 1 in 3 South Africans will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime, yet fewer than 30% receive treatment.
Debunking the “Selfish” Myth..
When people say suicide is selfish, they misunderstand the depth of the pain involved. It is not about a lack of love for others, it is about a person developing feelings of being a burden and that their absence might bring relief to those they care about.
“When someone takes their life, they are not choosing to hurt others, they are choosing to end their own suffering.”
Said, Dr. Marsha Linehan, creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy
The Science of Pain and Suicide..
Mental Pain..
The brain processes emotional pain in the same areas as physical pain. Chronic emotional pain can be as debilitating as physical injury.
Neurochemical Imbalance..
Conditions like depression and anxiety alter brain chemistry, making it harder to feel hope or see solutions.
Hopelessness..
A key predictor of suicide is the belief that things will never get better.
Words That Matter.. How to Speak About Suicide..
Do Not Say..
“It’s selfish.” “They were weak.”
Say Instead..
“You matter.” “Your pain matters.” “Let us find help together.”
“They were in a battle they could not win alone.”
The Reality.. Silence Kills..
Most people who die by self-unaliving have never spoken about their feelings. Silence is not strength, it is a cry for help that goes unheard.
Stigma..
The stigma around mental health prevents people from seeking help, leading to isolation and despair.
The Bottom Line..
Suicide is not about selfishness, it is about survival. It is the tragic end of a fight that no one should have to face alone. We need to listen, understand, and act before it is too late.
Call to Action..
Start the Conversation.. Ask someone how they are really doing. Listen without judgment. Educate Yourself and Others. Learn about mental health and share that knowledge. Support Mental Health Initiatives. Advocate for better mental health services and support systems.
Mental health is a real issue.
A deadly one at that.
