Rompamos con el tabú de hablar del suicidio | María De Quesada | TEDxValencia

Summary

In this powerful talk, the speaker addresses the taboo surrounding suicide, sharing her personal experience of a suicide attempt at 15 and the silence that surrounded it. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence to prevent suicide, advocating for responsible discussion and the need for societal support systems. The speaker highlights the role of media in suicide prevention, referencing both the negative 'Werther effect' and the positive 'Papageno effect,' and calls for collective action including education, media responsibility, and government support to tackle this critical issue.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker emphasizes the need to break the silence and taboo surrounding suicide, which is often discussed with fear, shame, guilt, and ignorance.
• 📚 Historically, suicide has been considered a mortal sin and culturally taboo, with negative repercussions for the deceased and their families.
• 😢 The speaker shares a personal story of attempting suicide at the age of 15, highlighting the emotional pain and isolation felt during that time.
• 📈 The importance of responsible communication about suicide is underscored, as irresponsible media coverage can lead to a phenomenon known as 'suicide contagion'.
• 🔑 The speaker advocates for a paradigm shift in how media and society discuss suicide, promoting responsible dialogue as a first step towards prevention.
• 🌐 The 'Papageno effect' is introduced as a counterpoint to 'Werther effect', showing that media can positively influence attitudes towards life by focusing on hope and support.
• 📢 The speaker calls for media to follow WHO guidelines when reporting on suicide, including providing helpline numbers and emphasizing support resources.
• 👥 The talk highlights various at-risk groups for suicide, such as men, those with mental health disorders, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with addictions, and the elderly.
• 🏛️ The speaker criticizes the lack of a national suicide prevention plan in Spain, contrasting it with countries like Hungary and Japan that have active prevention strategies.
• 🚨 The talk concludes with a call to action for individuals to be aware, informed, and supportive to help prevent suicide, and to break the taboo by discussing the topic openly.

Q & A

Why is suicide often considered a taboo subject in society?

Suicide is often considered a taboo subject in society due to historical and cultural reasons, including fear, shame, guilt, and ignorance. Historically, it has been viewed as an impious act by the Greeks and Romans, and later as a mortal sin in Christianity, leading to social stigma and avoidance.

What was the impact of the book 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Goethe on suicide rates?

The book 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Goethe led to a phenomenon known as the 'Werther effect,' where many young people who identified with the protagonist's romantic and tragic story ended up committing suicide in similar manners, highlighting the influence of media on vulnerable individuals.

How did the speaker overcome their personal experience with attempting suicide?

The speaker overcame their personal experience with attempting suicide by eventually sharing their story, which was initially kept secret for over 20 years. They found courage and support in connecting with others who had similar experiences, leading to the creation of an association for suicide prevention.

What is the 'Papageno effect' and how does it relate to suicide prevention?

The 'Papageno effect' refers to the positive influence of media when it responsibly reports on suicide, providing resources for help and emphasizing hope and support. This approach, named after a character from Mozart's 'The Magic Flute,' contrasts with the 'Werther effect' and aims to prevent suicide by offering help and reducing stigma.

Why is it important to talk about suicide responsibly?

Talking about suicide responsibly is important because it can help prevent further suicides by providing resources, support, and understanding. It also helps to break the taboo and stigma surrounding suicide, encouraging those in need to seek help without fear of judgment.

What role can the media play in suicide prevention?

The media can play a significant role in suicide prevention by following responsible reporting guidelines, providing helplines and resources, and highlighting stories of hope and recovery. They can also raise awareness about risk factors and protective measures.

What are some vulnerable groups that are at higher risk for suicide?

Some vulnerable groups at higher risk for suicide include men, individuals with mental health disorders, those belonging to the LGTB+ community, people with addictions, and the elderly. These groups require focused attention and support for suicide prevention.

Why did the Spanish government reject a national plan for suicide prevention in late 2022?

The Spanish government rejected a national plan for suicide prevention in late 2022 because they did not see it as necessary. This decision contrasts with other countries that have implemented such plans and highlights a lack of prioritization for suicide prevention in Spain.

What are some steps individuals can take to contribute to suicide prevention?

Individuals can contribute to suicide prevention by raising awareness, breaking the taboo around suicide, providing support to those in need, and encouraging open conversations about mental health and suicide. They can also educate themselves about the signs of suicide risk and the available resources for help.

How can the general public help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts?

The general public can help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts by being supportive, offering a listening ear, and encouraging them to seek professional help. It's also important to know the signs of suicide risk and to provide information about helplines and resources.

What is the significance of the number 24 in the context of suicide prevention mentioned in the script?

The number 24 signifies the availability of helplines for suicide prevention, which are accessible 24 hours a day, providing a lifeline for those in crisis. It represents a constant support system for individuals contemplating suicide.