SUICIDE cases are often widely reported in the media and the methods used are often the same. But what if I told you that not every case of suicide has a dramatic exit that calls for catchy headlines? Some cases of suicide span years, where people neglect their overall well-being. I recently came across the term “soft suicide” that best describes this. There is nothing “soft” about suicide and its impact. However, the term—while not a medical one—suggests a “softer” approach to neglecting life, and even possibly endangering one’s life without much care. From refusing to take one’s medications, not eating or excessive eating, to excessive alcohol or drug use. Soft suicide is quiet, it is silent, and it often goes unnoticed. It is not a topic of discussion because many cultures normalise the silence.
There are many reasons why people might “let go” or “give up.” I gather one of the main underlying factors is undiagnosed mental health illnesses, such as depression. Depression is often disguised as being “unmotivated” or “lazy.” Some people are not unproductive by choice—their mental health illnesses simply do not allow them to cope and focus on daily activities. It can also be a result of overworking and the pressures of life’s demands. Unfortunately, some of our social environments can be high-pressure and not always nurturing to our overall well-being. Suicide is often discussed as this extreme concept, but how often do we discuss people who make daily choices that can indirectly cause themselves harm?
Soft suicide can be signalled by family members, workmates and the community at large. Take, for instance, the elderly who refuse to take their medication because they fear the end is already near—so why keep fighting? How many of us would seek an intervention for that individual, or do we simply decide in our minds that the end is inevitable? This sad reality of “letting go” slowly of life is avoidable, and I urge you all not to remain silent when you notice it happening. Unfortunately, we’ve developed a culture in Guyana where we often act, speak, or intervene when it is too late. That very culture of silence is why so many lives are lost and communities are deeply disturbed by social ills such as suicide.
I think one of the most disheartening aspects of “soft suicide” is its impact on the family unit and the community at large. It is witnessing someone lose their sense of self or their will to live bit by bit in front of your very eyes. We can all intervene to ensure that a person realises their actions and their impact by firstly suggesting they seek mental health support and help from a professional. You can also perform meaningful acts of kindness for them, such as ensuring they do not skip meals or encouraging them to get enough rest. Sometimes, the person may not even be aware or conscious of their actions until someone else points it out.
I want you to keep the concept of soft suicide in mind the next time you notice someone silently allowing their life to slip away through lifestyle choices. May “soft suicide” serve as a reminder that death is not always loud. Death, or the desire to end the pain, can also come in the small choices we make daily.
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing any suicidal thoughts—or you notice you’re allowing life to slip by and you’re unable to cope—then call the Guyana Inter-agency Suicide Prevention Helpline on (592) 600-7896 or message (592) 623-4444.