I Visited the Most Suicidal Town in the World (Greenland)

Summary

In this heartfelt video, the creator embarks on a dream trip to Greenland, the world's least densely populated country. Despite its stunning landscapes, Greenland has the highest suicide rate globally, with Tasiilaq, the destination city, holding the highest rate in the country. The creator connects with a local, Vitus, through Facebook and explores the town, attending a confirmation ceremony and a family party, witnessing the importance of community and family. Through candid conversations, Vitus shares his struggles with depression and the impact of opening up about his feelings. The video highlights the beauty and harsh realities of Greenland, offering a poignant message about the power of communication in combating sadness and isolation.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The video is sponsored by Storyblocks and documents a trip to Greenland, the least densely populated country in the world.
• 🏙️ The narrator visits Tasiilaq, a small settlement in Greenland with less than 2,000 people, which is also the most populated on the east coast.
• 😔 Greenland has the highest suicide rates in the world, with Tasiilaq having the highest rate in the country.
• 🤝 The narrator meets Vitus, a local resident, through Facebook and is invited to stay in his apartment during the trip.
• 🏠 The video showcases the small size of Tasiilaq, where driving from one end to the other takes only five minutes.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of family is highlighted as the narrator quickly meets Vitus's entire family during their visit.
• 🥂 The narrator attends a confirmation party for Vitus's niece, which includes unique Greenlandic traditions such as throwing money in the air for people to catch.
• 🎉 Despite the sadness in the town, the party shows a community that is happy, content, and full of laughter and smiles.
• 😢 The narrator learns that Vitus has experienced deep sadness and has lost friends to suicide, a common issue in Greenland.
• 🗨️ Vitus shares his struggle with depression and the impact of talking about his feelings on improving his mental health.
• 🗻 The video ends with a message of hope and advice to those who are sad, encouraging them to talk about their feelings and not be shy.

Q & A

What is the significance of Greenland being the least densely populated country in the world?

Greenland's status as the least densely populated country highlights its vastness and the small number of inhabitants, which is approximately 56,000 people. This can contribute to a unique cultural and social experience that is different from more populated areas.

Why does the narrator mention the high suicide rate in Greenland?

The narrator mentions the high suicide rate in Greenland to underscore the serious social issue that the country faces. It also sets a somber tone for the exploration of the country and its people, indicating that there are deeper challenges beneath the surface of everyday life.

How did the narrator meet their friend Vitus from Greenland?

The narrator met Vitus through a general Facebook search for people living in Greenland. After sending Vitus a message about their dream to visit Greenland, they quickly became friends, and Vitus invited the narrator to stay in his apartment in the city.

What is the significance of the confirmation ceremony in Greenlandic culture?

The confirmation ceremony in Greenland is a significant milestone and defining moment in a Greenlander's life. It is a cultural tradition that Greenlanders take very seriously, indicating its importance in their community and personal identity.

What does the narrator observe about the town of Sealock?

The narrator observes that Sealock is picturesque and quaint, with a small population of less than 2,000 people. Despite its small size, it is the most populated settlement on the east coast of Greenland.

What is the role of family in Vitus's life?

Family plays a significant role in Vitus's life. He is close to his family and friends, as evidenced by the narrator meeting the entirety of Vitus's family during their first hours in Sealock.

What is the narrator's initial impression of the people in Sealock?

The narrator's initial impression is that the people in Sealock seem happy and content, with much laughter and smiling. This observation contrasts with the town's reputation for high suicide rates and suggests a complex reality.

What is the significance of the polar bear soup at the confirmation party?

The polar bear soup is part of the unique traditions practiced at Greenlandic confirmation parties. It represents a cultural element that is specific to the region and its people, offering a glimpse into their customs.

What advice does Vitus give to those who are feeling sad?

Vitus advises people who are feeling sad to express their feelings openly. He suggests talking about sadness, jealousy, or any other emotions without being shy, as this can lead to happiness and improved mental health.

How does the narrator's visit to Greenland change their perspective on the country and its people?

The narrator's visit to Greenland allows them to see beyond the statistics and stereotypes, gaining a deeper understanding of the people's lives, their culture, and the challenges they face. It also highlights the importance of personal connections and open communication in overcoming difficulties.