Why We Must Normalize the Conversation About Suicide

Every day, millions of people around the world suffer in silence with mental health issues, including suicidal ideation. It's a tough topic to tackle, and even harder to have an open conversation about. But it doesn't have to be. Dani Bates has experienced the struggle of mental health firsthand and is on a mission to open up the conversation about suicide and normalize it so that it can be discussed openly and without shame. In this blog, I'll outline how Dani Bates has used her story and platform to advocate for Mental Health Awareness. She'll show us why we need to normalize talking about suicide, how it can help those suffering, and how it sets the next generation up for success. With Dani's help, we can create a better future.

About Dani Bates

Meet Dani Bates - a 33 year old mother of two who has experienced more loss in her life than many of us could ever imagine. Dani was adopted at birth and grew up in a healthy and loving family, but struggled with depression, anxiety, and OCD from a young age. After a difficult LDS church mission, Dani got married and divorced, only to meet the love of her life, Denny. Sadly, Denny passed away by suicide almost four years ago, but Dani continues to honor his memory and share his story to help others. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and wants to make sure that her children never have to feel ashamed to talk about suicide. Dani is passionate and open about her experiences and is never afraid to have difficult conversations.

Why is it important to normalize talking about suicide?

Talking about suicide is an important step towards reducing its prevalence among individuals suffering from mental health issues. By normalizing conversations about suicide, individuals can learn to talk openly about their thoughts and feelings to those who are willing to listen without fear of judgement or stigma. This can create an environment of understanding and acceptance that can help to alleviate the shame and isolation that often accompanies suicidal ideation. Normalizing conversations about suicide can also help to equip people with the knowledge and skills to recognize warning signs in others and intervene to provide help and support. It can create an atmosphere of open communication and understanding, which can lead to more meaningful connections and a greater sense of safety. By normalizing talking about suicide, we can help to create a supportive environment in which individuals can openly discuss their feelings and seek help when needed.

Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Talk openly about mental health and suicide.
2. Educate yourself and others on mental health and its effects.
3. Remove the stigma associated with mental health and suicide.
4. Create a safe space for people to talk about their mental health struggles.
5. Provide resources to those in need.
6. Normalize conversations about mental health.
7. Spend time with those who are struggling.
8. Help individuals create positive coping strategies.
9. Encourage individuals to seek professional help if needed.
10. Support research and advocacy for mental health awareness.

The first step in this transcript is understanding why we need to have open conversations about suicide. Dani mentioned that she put in the obituary that her husband died of suicide, and she wanted to make sure it wasn't seen as shameful or embarrassing. By her own words, Dani is blunt and straightforward, and she's fine with letting the listener know what she's comfortable talking about suicide. Dani explains that it's not a swear word in her house.

She goes on to explain how it's important to be honest and open about suicide and suicidal ideation, and how it's crucial to find the right support system. We talk about how to allow emotions and open discussions and Dani encourages others to do the same to help others who might be struggling. It's critical for people to reach out for help when needed. We are not alone and need to learn to be comfortable with open and honest conversation .

2. Talk openly about mental health and suicide.
Talk openly about mental health and suicide Talking openly about mental health and suicide is an important step in destigmatizing mental health issues and preventing suicide. It is a challenging conversation to have, but it is an essential one. To start, it is helpful to provide a safe and supportive environment. This can be done by using language that is open and nonjudgmental and providing validation and reassurance to the person speaking. It is also important to be knowledgeable about mental health and suicide, and to have access to resources and support. This can include having a list of resources or hotlines to provide to the person. It is also important to be aware of any triggers that may be associated with the conversation, and to be prepared to provide support in the event of a crisis. Finally, it is important to listen openly, provide empathy and understanding, and to make sure the person knows that it is okay to talk about mental health and suicide.

It is important to remember that talking openly about mental health and suicide does not mean that a person is suicidal. It is simply a way to express feelings, provide support and understanding, and to know that help is available. It is also important to remember that people have different views and opinions about mental health and suicide, and that it is important to be respectful of everyone’s views and opinions. Additionally, it is important to remember that talking openly about mental health and suicide does not always mean a person is in crisis. It is simply a way to start a conversation and to provide support and understanding. Finally, it is important to remember that talking openly about mental health and suicide can be a difficult conversation to have. It is important to be patient and understanding, and to provide reassurance and support to the person. It is also important to take care of oneself, and to seek help if needed. Talking openly about mental health and suicide can be an important step in destigmatizing mental health issues and preventing suicide.

3. Educate yourself and others on mental health and its effects.
Educating yourself and others on mental health and its effects is an important step in understanding, respecting, and supporting those who have been affected by mental health. It is important to understand the different types of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD, and to recognize the signs and symptoms of each. It is also important to understand how each condition can affect someone, and how to recognize when someone is struggling and how to provide support. In addition, it is important to understand the different treatment options available and how to access them. It is also important to educate yourself and others on the effects of mental health. This includes understanding how mental health can affect an individual’s daily life, and how it can impact relationships, employment, and other aspects of life. It is also important to recognize how mental health can affect the family and community, and how to support those affected by mental health in their day-to-day lives. Finally, it is important to understand the stigma around mental health, and how to challenge it. This includes understanding why it exists, how to recognize it, and how to fight it. Educating yourself and others on mental health and its effects can help create a more supportive and compassionate society.

Raising awareness of mental health and its effects is also an important part of understanding and supporting those affected. Mental health initiatives, such as Mental Health Awareness Month, can help create a more open and accepting environment for those affected by mental health and provide information to help people understand and support those around them. It is also important to talk about mental health in the media and in everyday conversations, so that those affected can feel supported and accepted. Lastly, it is important to practice self-care and mindfulness when it comes to mental health. This includes looking out for yourself and recognizing when you need help and taking the time to address any mental health issues. Additionally, it is important to take care of yourself through healthy habits, such as exercise, proper nutrition, and spending time with friends and family. Practicing self-care and mindfulness can help improve your overall mental health and wellbeing.

4. Remove the stigma associated with mental health and suicide.
The fourth step in removing the stigma associated with mental health and suicide is to create an open dialogue about the subject. This means talking about mental health and suicide without shame or fear. It means addressing the issue head on and educating those around us about the importance of mental health. This can include talking to children and teens about the issue, discussing it in family settings and workplaces, and engaging in conversations with peers and colleagues. It also means avoiding language that perpetuates stigma and normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide. We can do this by using the correct language when talking about suicide and mental health, such as using the words “died by suicide” or “mental health condition” rather than “committed suicide” or “mental illness.” It can also mean educating ourselves on the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and suicide and learning how to support those who are struggling. Talking openly and honestly about mental health and suicide is the key to removing the stigma associated with them.

The fifth step in removing the stigma associated with mental health and suicide is to make sure that mental health resources are accessible to all. This means creating a safe and supportive environment for those struggling with their mental health by providing them with resources and support. This can include making sure mental health services are covered by health insurance, providing free or low cost mental health services in communities, and making use of online resources such as mental health hotlines and websites. It also means providing support for those who have experienced a loss due to suicide, such as grief counseling, support groups, and other resources. Making sure that mental health resources are accessible to all is essential in removing the stigma associated with mental health and suicide. The sixth step in removing the stigma associated with mental health and suicide is to take action. This means advocating for better mental health policies, raising awareness about mental health and suicide, and providing support to those who are struggling. It also means amplifying the voices of those who are affected by mental health issues and suicide and amplifying the stories of those who have survived. Taking action can also look like donating money to mental health organizations, volunteering with mental health organizations, and sharing information and resources about mental health and suicide. Taking action is a powerful way to help remove the stigma associated with mental health and suicide.

5. Create a safe space for people to talk about their mental health struggles.
Creating a safe space for people to talk about their mental health struggles is key in order to foster an environment of understanding and support. When creating this space, it is important to provide a platform for open dialogue and communication, where people feel comfortable and accepted. One way to do this is to provide resources and support to those who are open to talking about their mental health struggles. This can include access to mental health professionals, peer support groups, online support groups, and other resources to help people feel heard and understood. Additionally, it is important to foster an environment of acceptance and non-judgement, where people feel comfortable sharing their stories and experiences without fear of judgement or reprisal. This can be done through normalizing conversations about mental health and creating an open, honest dialogue. Lastly, it is important to provide resources to those who are struggling with mental health issues and to offer support and understanding to those who are struggling. This can be done through providing access to mental health professionals and other resources, as well as providing support to those who may be struggling in silence. By creating a safe space for people to talk about their mental health struggles, it helps to foster an environment of understanding, acceptance, and support.

It is also important to provide ongoing support to those who are struggling with mental health issues. This can take the form of providing mental health services, resources, and support groups on an ongoing basis. Additionally, it is important to create an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, and care when talking about mental health. This can be done by having conversations about mental health in a supportive and non-judgemental way and by avoiding language that is shaming or stigmatizing. Lastly, it is important to provide education and information about mental health to those who might not be aware of the resources available to them. This can be done through providing information on mental health topics, such as symptoms of various mental health disorders, treatment options, coping strategies, and other resources. By providing ongoing support and education about mental health issues, it can help to create a safe space for people to talk about their mental health struggles.

6. Provide resources to those in need.
Step 6 of the transcript is to provide resources to those in need. This can involve seeking out support groups, mental health services, and other organizations that provide resources and support to those who are struggling with mental health issues. It can also involve providing emotional support to those who are struggling, such as offering to listen to them and providing a safe space for them to talk about their feelings. Additionally, it can involve educating yourself on the signs of mental health issues and the steps for helping those in need. This can involve learning about different mental illnesses, understanding how to recognize the signs of someone in distress, and knowing how to help them get the help they need. By providing these resources and support, it can help those in need take the necessary steps to get the help they need.

Finally, it is important to remember that everyone's mental health journey is different, and it is important to recognize that each person needs different forms of support. It is important to listen to the individual and understand their needs, as well as provide them with the necessary resources and support. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the individual's mental health and ensure that they are safe and not in danger of harm. This can involve checking in on them periodically, or offering to help them if they are in need of assistance. By providing these resources and support, it can help those in need take the necessary steps to get the help they need.

7. Normalize conversations about mental health.
Normalize conversations about mental health Normalizing conversations about mental health is crucial to creating an environment that is not only safe for those who suffer from mental health issues, but also for those who don't. This can start by creating an open and inviting dialogue about mental health topics that encourages individuals to share their stories and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space. This can be done by sharing personal stories, highlighting organizations or resources that can help those who are struggling, and emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support when needed. Additionally, having conversations that normalize mental health can help break down stigma and create a better understanding of mental illness, which can in turn help create an environment that is more understanding and supportive of those who suffer from mental health issues.

Creating a culture where mental health is normalized is also essential to destigmatizing mental illness, which in turn decreases the chances of someone feeling alone and isolated as they struggle with a mental health disorder. This can be done by talking openly about mental health issues, being supportive and understanding of those who are struggling, and emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support when needed. Additionally, normalizing conversations about mental health can help create a more supportive environment for those who are already struggling, and reduce the chances of someone feeling embarrassed or ashamed of their condition. Normalizing conversations about mental health is an important step in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. It should be done in a way that is compassionate and understanding, so that those who are struggling feel like they can open up and share their stories without fear of judgment. Additionally, normalizing conversations about mental health can help break down stigma and create a better understanding of mental illness, which can in turn help create an environment that is more understanding and supportive of those who suffer from mental health issues.

Mental health and suicide are topics that are often considered taboo and difficult to discuss, which can lead to feelings of shame and isolation. Normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide and creating a safe space for people to talk about their struggles is an important step in destigmatizing mental health issues and preventing suicide. By educating ourselves on mental health and its effects, removing the stigma associated with mental health and suicide, and providing resources to those in need, we can create an open and understanding environment in which individuals can openly discuss their feelings and seek help when needed. With the right support and understanding, we can help create a brighter future for those affected by mental health. Together, we can create a world where mental health is treated with respect and understanding. It starts with you - take the first step and start normalizing the conversation today.

I’d love to hear how you've learned to be more open in discussions about mental health and how reaching out for help has made a difference in your life. Please feel free to leave a comment or drop any questions you want me to answer! And join us on our Facebook Community Page where we share how you’ve been impacted by mental health issues and what we can all do to raise the level of the conversation on these difficult topics.