Ultimately, the decision to take one's life is a personal choice and something that should not be the responsibility of another. That being said, there are certainly ways to prevent suicide. A few suggestions include educating oneself on warning signs and risk factors, creating a safe space for your loved one to admit their suicidal thoughts, knowing what resources to provide to someone in a crisis, and thinking through alternatives together with the person who is struggling. On a larger scale we can benefit from moving away from toxic positivity, and leaning into difficult conversations about mental health, depression and suicide. **Toxic positivity involves dismissing negative emotions and responding to distress with false reassurances rather than empathy. It comes from feeling uncomfortable with negative emotions. It is often well-intentioned but can cause alienation and a feeling of disconnection.

 

Guest on the line: Lekha Daya, Senior Psychologist at Panda