JD Schramm: Break the silence for suicide attempt survivors

In this TED talk, JD Schramm speaks from the heart about the need for more resources for survivors of suicide attempt.

The World Health Organisation ranks suicide amongst the top 20 leading causes of death globally. That’s the people that succeed (for want of a better word). But there are plenty of people who attempt suicide and fail. Suicidal thoughts are likely more common than we are aware or would like to admit. According to Schramm, of the 19 out of 20 individuals who fail to commit suicide at their first attempt, they will be 37 times more likely to succeed second time around.

There’s a misconception that we shouldn’t talk about suicide, in case it initiates or revives suicidal thoughts. This is wrong - we should and must talk about suicide. Having thoughts of suicide in itself is isolating enough, to feel that there is no safe space to share the despair can only serve to intensify the problem. Take 5 minutes to learn why we should and how we can help when faced with someone, including ourselves, who is showing signs of feeling suicidal. There is nothing to fear, we are all capable of listening, understanding and showing that we care - maybe we just don’t know it.

You can access Schramm’s talk here.

If you are feeling suicidal or at risk of hurting yourself in anyway there are people who can help. You can seek crisis support by dialling 999, going to the Accident & Emergency department at hospital or calling the Samaritans. You can also find advice and resources on the Mind website.