Suicide affects loved ones dearly

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am a bereaved mother who lost my 22-year-old son to suicide one year ago. Losing a child to suicide is described as one of the most traumatic forms of grief and loss. You never get over it. Instead, you learn to live through it. Unfortunately, after my loss, I was unable to find in Jamaica a support group that dealt specifically with a loss to suicide. This is the most unique type of grief.

My condolences to all the families, loved ones and communities who have lost a loved one to suicide.

September 10 was observed as World Suicide Prevention Day. This day brings the awareness to the public on mental illness and ways to help prevent suicide by educating persons on possible signs to look out for and where to get help.

This is an excellent initiative. We have seen more than 500 calls to the suicide helpline locally.

In Dying to Be Free, written by Beverly Cobain and Jean Larch, it is noted that, in 2000, suicides accounted for almost half of all violent deaths worldwide. Young people are a significant part of this critical public health issue.

In Jamaica, the reported suicide cases, especially among young persons, are increasing. The word ‘reported’ is important to note, as all cases are not reported. There is a lot of stigmas attached to death by suicide. Some cases are described as natural causes due to stigma.

There is another very important component to suicide prevention, and that is suicide postvention, which is the support provided to individuals, families and communities who lost someone to suicide. Bear in mind, for each person that ends their life by suicide, there are a number of persons who are left behind who are suffering. Suicide instantly alters the lives of those left behind.

After my loss, I became a certified grief educator to better understand grief. I am certified to offer peer--o peer or group support to people grieving. As a bereaved mother with the lived experience of losing a child to suicide, I believe it is my responsibility to offer support in any way I can.

MICHELE HYLTON

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