The role of education and Teachers
Reluctance to speak openly about suicide and the resulting taboos and myths about suicide predate the modern period.
Historical reactions to suicide have changed in accordance with religious, social, and legal changes in values. Suicide at various times has been considered socially acceptable, a moral evil, or a criminal act. Various societies have seen fit to mutilate the body of a suicide victim, ostracise surviving family members, or cast a shroud of eternal damnation on the victim.
Because of the historically negative reactions to suicide and its victims, guilt, emotional anguish, social embarrassment, self-blame, fear, and superstition still colour reactions to and about suicide.
As teachers, it is imperative that we challenge these historical taboos and myths and replace them with a learned approach to, and compassionate understanding of, those who suffer to the point of taking their own life.
Being human does not require specialised training. All we need is a compassionate, caring attitude, a non-judgmental understanding, and a willingness to listen, mixed with a basic knowledge of the causes, warning signs, and suicide awareness and prevention techniques.