Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people under 30. The number of suicides has increased in recent years, a worrying development. In 2022, there will be just over 300 young people who will deliberately end their lives. The taboo around depression and suicide needs to be broken and the conversation started. But how can you do this?
A work of art to draw attention to suicide
To draw attention to the subject, The Power of Art House created a 2.5 meter high and 4 meter long artwork. He is a stooped boy and symbolizes the inner struggle that many depressed young people have. “This image screams for attention,” says artist Saskia Stolz.
Photo: ANP/Remko de Waal
Breaking taboos and stimulating conversation about suicide
With the image, they want to break the taboo and stimulate conversation about suicide. When launched on July 12, 2023, the statue will be in Amsterdam. Later, it will pass through several cities in the Netherlands, including Utrecht, Maastricht, The Hague, Rotterdam and Haarlem.
Young people find it difficult to talk about suicide
The artist spoke with ten young people who had made one or more suicide attempts in the past. They indicate that they find it difficult to talk to those around them about their depressive feelings. And that while talking about it is very important, says Stichting 113 Suicide Prevention.
What can you do yourself?
If you suspect your (grand)child is thinking about suicide, it’s important to start the conversation. It may seem difficult, so we list what you should and shouldn’t do.
Succeed
Try logging in first. Explain what strikes you. For example, if someone withdraws more often or if people often say that life is too hard. A direct question if someone is thinking about suicide can be asked. If you have trouble naming suicide or suicide, you can also ask, “Do you ever think: I don’t need to do this anymore?” or “Have you ever thought: I don’t want to live like this?”
If he or she indicates that you are worried, you can ask for more. Show your concern to your (grand)child. Ask questions, listen without judgment, and keep asking questions. Show understanding for someone’s feelings. And seek help together, this can be done with the general practitioner, a psychologist or via 113. The latter can be contacted free of charge and anonymously 24/7 via 0800-0113 or via the chat site .
Not
Be careful how you ask questions. 113 gives examples of what not to ask:
- “You don’t really want to die, do you?”
- “You’re not going to do crazy things, are you?”
- “Do you know how much you hurt me with that?”
If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, don’t try to solve the problem yourself. More help is needed than you can provide in most cases. Also, don’t promise to keep your suicidal thoughts a secret. And don’t wear it alone. It is also important that you talk about it.
Take care of yourself
This is often forgotten. You are busy with the person concerned and therefore think less about yourself. But to take care of someone else, you have to feel good about yourself. Detach yourself from the situation once in a while and focus on the things that make you feel good. Recharge the battery. And also give yourself time to sort everything out. All the emotions that go with it can be there.
By being there for someone else and making the topic negotiable, you are already doing a lot for them. It’s good to realize that. You are not responsible for someone else’s choices. Also be clear about your own boundaries.
Take online suicide prevention training
Free online suicide prevention training can be taken through the 113 website. This can be done for adults and young people. You will receive a lot of information in less than an hour and end with a test. This way you can be sure that everything is clear.
Are you thinking of suicide? Then contact free and anonymously on 0800-0113 24/7 or chat on 113.nl.
(Source: 113 Suicide Prevention Foundation, RTL Nieuws. Photos: Shutterstock)