Suicide - Speech

It's the 21st century, we have created a whole new concept of technology, we have sent things into outer-space, we have unveiled new species, but the most absurd thing is that even throughout this inconceivable growth, we are still yet to be able to accept people as they are.

It's the 21st century and people are changing. Nobody is the same. We like and believe in different constructs. However, the idea of people having their own beliefs seems unworldly to many. This is one of the main reasons for suicide.

I wrote this speech to make you aware of what the real consequences of ignorance and non-acceptance are.

The immense pressure of trying to emulate categories that society deems fit, causes a lot more damage than you could imagine.

Last Year, suicide was the cause approximately 800,000 deaths. This translates to a global rate of 10.5 deaths to every 100 000. In 2016 statistics showed that around one million lives were tragically taken by suicide. This shows a global rate of 16 suicides to every 100 000 or a death every 40 seconds. At that time, it was predicted that if this wasn't stopped, the death rate would increase to a suicide every 20 seconds by the year 2020. However, as shown by my previously stated statistic, this prediction was not only proven wrong but a completely differing outcome occurred as death rates decreased by 5.5 to every 100 000.

This decrease in death rates could be related to many things, some of which being suicide helplines and prevention campaigns, providing support for those who need it and raising awareness. The stigma around suicide is finally beginning to fade however its current prevalence in society is toxic.

In my opinion a lone person may not be able to stop someone from attempting to take their lives, but we can try not to be a reason that led them to that place. Remember the saying, "If you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all." A lot of people overlook it as another useless quote by someone nobody remembers, but it does make a difference.

How would you like to be called names and constantly bullied? Or living in constant doubt of yourself? Just imagine going home every day with dozens of thoughts racing through your head, why me? Why do I have to be like this? I didn't choose to be this way yet now I'm the one having to pay for it. Just imagine the only thing you are able to rely on is your blade. It brings you comfort yet it could end your life in a matter of seconds. Or the little flame that burnt away at the bottom of your pillow until you quench that thirst.

On the other hand, imagine being the sibling, significant other or parent of the victim. Walking into their room see a pair of empty, emotionless eyes staring back at you. Watching the colour drain out of their face to resemble the ghost of pale satin sheets. The same satin sheets that lined their bed which was made up, as if they had never existed. Laying on top was a crumpled letter. The same letter the victim wrote with trembling hands and tears pouring out of their eyes and onto the still damp sheet. The pressure became too much, the weighted cage finally collapsed, they were free.

How would you feel if that were you?

Again, no lone person is expected to prevent a suicide from taking place, but you can make a difference. You can help. You can help prevent this by just offering a smile or asking, "how are you?" Just remind them that they are not alone.