Too often I hear remarks and jokes about suicide. We all have caught on to the reality of how many teens die from suicide annually. With anxiety and depression rates in teenagers skyrocketing, the statistics have only become more daunting. Approximately 105 Americans die from suicide every day and suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 14 to 24, according to Suicide Awareness Voice of Education, SAVE.
I tolerate a lot of dumb jokes–and make a lot of dumb jokes myself. However, there is one kind of joke I consistently call out: those that make light of suicide. Hearing someone say they want to ‘shoot’ or ‘kill’ oneself always leaves me with a sickening feeling that I can’t ignore.
If someone is serious, it is important to notify someone as soon as possible. Family and friends of those who have committed suicide consistently regret not “saying something.” Often, our society plays off warning signs around suicide and depression as normal “teenage” behavior. A friend could say they feel like killing themselves in a joking manner, but it’s important to treat these remarks seriously. It could protect those in your community and diminish the laid back nature surrounding suicidal remarks.
If someone is joking, they are taking this reality that many face, too lightly. A senior at Hale, who struggles with multiple disorders including depression, feels many people don’t realize the impact these jokes can have.
“I think everyone’s heard it and everyone’s said it. It just isn’t something to joke about. You have no idea what the person next to you is going through and what their relationship with suicide is. Even a small comment could devastate someone.”
Two years ago, I lost a close family friend to suicide. I took it hard, and was hit with the reality of the way suicide can impact family, friends, and a community. Like any death, there’s no easy way to come to terms and cope with what happened. I spent the majority of my childhood growing up with my friend Oscar, and in many ways I considered him a brother. I didn’t get to see Oscar as often once I moved to Seattle, and when I heard of his death I was hit with deep regret for not reaching out earlier. Attending his funeral in Bellingham left me in a haze of confusion, I hadn’t dealt with death before and it took me a long time to feel okay about it, grief is an ongoing process. Even now, there are days where I get especially sad or regretful thinking about him. Suicide leaves a family broken and a community blindsided with loss.
Although before this loss I never thought suicide jokes were tasteful, afterward I became incredibly sensitive and aware to just how frequently I hear people make side comments and jokes about suicide. Suicide jokes are insensitive, but they’re also outdated. I find there are much more creative ways to explain your momentary discomfort.
Painting by Tracey Emin