What does it mean to end the stigma?

There is a harsh stigma that exists surrounding suicide. Suicide has a long tradition of being thought of as a criminal act. People who attempt suicide or die by suicide might be wrongly labelled as "attention seeking", "cowards", or "selfish". Those who perpetrate these stigmas avoid, shun, distrust, and stereotype those affected by suicide. 

We want to end this hurtful stigma and educate people about suicide. Someone might want to end their life to escape what they feel is an impossible situation, to relieve unbearable thoughts or feelings from mental illness, or to relieve physical pain or incapacity. These individuals are often the most magnetic, bright, selfless, compassionate people you know. It is the pain you do not see that takes their life. Suicide is not selfish, it is devastating. 

Together, we can help those who are struggling by creating a world that is more accepting. Allowing people to be vulnerable with their thoughts and emotions will lead to more conversations about mental health, more mental health care professionals and programs, and a society that is compassionate to pain that they cannot see on the outside.

Show your community that no one is alone and we will face mental illness and suicide together, head on.

You are not alone. You are resilient. Let's end the stigma.

 

We invite you to run or walk 5k with us in-person or virtually on September 29th to end the stigma.