The subjects of depression and suicide are profound and intricate matters that continue to lack the level of open discussion they truly deserve. In the documentary Facing Suicide, we are confronted with the factors that weigh heavily on us to the point where ending our lives may seem like the only viable option. However, before delving into this discussion, you need to note that we will be addressing sensitive topics about depression and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we strongly urge you to seek help from a mental health professional or contact a helpline in your country. Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness and diminished interest in everyday activities. It can significantly impair a person’s daily functioning and make them silent. The causes of depression are multifaceted and vary from person to person. Right at the very beginning of the documentary, the narrator highlights the unforeseen fact that suicide deaths in the United States surpass both homicides and car accidents in number. This alarming statistic points out the rapid deterioration of mental health, which is increasingly evident in nearly every country across the globe. The task of preventing such tragedies and rescuing individuals who have given up the will to survive falls upon mental health professionals, researchers, and scientists alike. Furthermore, it has a profound impact on the community and culture to which these individuals belong.
Spoilers Ahead
Myths About Depression
Long before the terms “depression” or “mental depression” gained popularity, this indisposition had been silently torturing and annihilating individuals worldwide. Thus, contrary to popular misconception, depression is not a disease that popped out of nowhere during the 19th century and has gained momentum over time. In the documentary, Christine Yu Moutier, MD, from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, rightly emphasizes that people lack the knowledge and understanding of how to treat mental illnesses, unlike their familiarity with treating physical conditions like heart diseases. This lack of knowledge is frustrating given the fact that, in the present day, we are more aware. Yet, in most cases of mental illness, people shy away from seeking help, although this disagreement has fatal consequences.
From a scientific perspective as well, the study of depression has unearthed remarkable findings. Initially, scientists and researchers believed that the deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin was the underlying factor that caused depression. However, John Mann, an esteemed professor in translational neuroscience at Columbia University, embarked on an insightful investigation into the biology of depression by examining the brains of individuals who had committed suicide. To his surprise, Professor Mann and his promising team discovered that depressed brains exhibited a substantial increase in serotonin levels compared to the brains of average people. This revelation raises a pertinent question: if serotonin was being released, why were the neurons unresponsive?
Professor Mann believes that he has discovered the crucial breakthrough in unraveling this particularly perplexing question. His findings indicate that if the frontal area of the brain exhibits significant irregularities in transmission, it is directly linked to depression. Furthermore, if a little behind the frontal area of the brain indicates irregularity, then the brain is associated with suicide and suicide attempts. Interestingly, individuals who possess a brain profile predisposed to depression may never contemplate suicide. Similarly, those with abnormalities causing suicidal thoughts are less likely to die by suicide. However, when these two abnormalities coexist in an individual, the chances of them succumbing to suicide become significantly higher. This combination of abnormalities creates a state of tunnel vision for the person, wherein they feel hopeless and find no reason to continue living. This ultimately leads them to view taking their own lives as the only feasible solution.
Causes Of Depression
Within the documentary, we encounter individuals from various backgrounds, including native people, farmers, and teenagers, who bravely share their personal encounters with suicidal thoughts or the devastating impact of losing someone close to suicide. The documentary sheds light on the notion that, while there may not be specific causes for suicide and depression, these struggles can be inherited from previous generations. Native Americans, Jews, the Black Community, and immigrants, for instance, bear the weight of historical trauma, with the pains of mental and physical atrocities endured by their ancestors passing down through the generations via the concept of gene memory. For farmers, the added burden of financial crises emerges as a significant triggering factor. Indigenous cultures also experience the anguish of being unable to preserve and transmit their culture and heritage to future generations, contributing to feelings of depression. Moreover, the undeniable struggles of everyday life further compound these challenges.
Moreover, another significant challenge arises from the widespread shortage of mental health professionals in many areas, making it even more difficult to address these crises effectively. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to establish safe environments where individuals struggling with mental illness can openly express their thoughts without fear of judgment. Likewise, others must enhance their awareness of mental illness and understand how to respond appropriately. Often, teenagers tend to confide their deepest emotions to their peers. The consequences of peers failing to comprehend or promptly respond to someone’s plea for help are unimaginable. Thus, it becomes of utmost importance to be vigilant within friend groups, communities, and families, actively looking out for signs of mental illness and fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing their piece of mind. While there has been increased awareness and active efforts to reduce suicide rates, we believe that there should be more improved facilities that can promptly address these pressing needs.
‘Facing Suicide’ Ending
Depression kills more people than we can possibly imagine. Every one in five people suffers from mental illness. According to global statistics on mental health, the rate of suicide and depression has significantly increased since the worldwide pandemic. It is true that depression and anxiety overpower us and take away our willingness to continue our lives. But when you are no longer able to give yourself a chance, let someone else intervene and take a chance for you. It is an earnest request to everyone to come up and speak and share how you feel. There are people out there who might just remind you why your life matters more than you think it does. It is overwhelming to talk about mental illness and suicidal thoughts, but it is more so for the families who lose their loved ones to them. So, don’t shy away from asking questions; be aware and seek help.