Stigma associated with suicide and depression
63 One of the negatives of suffering from depression and a suicide attempt is the stigma from co-workers. After my attempt, the Human Resources Department where I work "spilled the beans" and made part of the story common knowledge to everyone I work with, leaving the rest of the story to be riddled with hearsay, rumor, lies or whatever conclusion anyone wished to come to.
I had to be cleared as "fit for duty" in order to return to work, which I was. After a month off work and not being allowed to go to work and tell what really happened, I returned to the sound of crickets and see the whisper of people when I would walk by their offices....folks I've known for 10 years.
Now, when I have a disagreement with a co-worker, they complain to my supervisor....they're afraid of me because I "have a gun" and "he's crazy". Actually, if you know the whole story, you'll know that I no longer own a gun, nor am I allowed to own one the rest of my life. Keep your distance! The crazy guy could go off at any second....
This stigma also carries over to the dating world as well. Since I have a 12 inch scar from my wrist to the inside of my elbow, plus a 5 inch scar on my throat, I think it's best to tell the story and get it out of the way....I've found that my dates are split on the issue....around half don't want to be involved with "a psycho" and the other half seems to feel that everyone has gone through a few trials in their life and it's not a big deal. One woman was afraid I'd attempt again and she'd be the one to find me dead or half dead....another likes me the way that I am.
And don't you feel that the ex has suffered enough? Not only the horror of finding me almost dead and having to go through everything she did, but being unemployed on top of everything else?
To sum it up, even though the stigma hangs in the air in the mass media, movies and print press like a dead fish, every person afflicted with depression isn't always a raving maniac....
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Thanks Poetlorraine,
I've healed quite a bit - just had to get that off my chest!
If most people were totally honest with themselves, they have thought about suicide at least once in their own lives. The stigma I hate the most is that people who make a suicide attempt are cowards. Actually, I think it takes a lot of courage to end your life when you fear or realize it no longer holds any substance for you. A good friend of mine committed suicide for many deeply felt reasons, but he was one of the most intelligent & caring people I know. There are many different reasons for an attempt on your own life. Probably none of them completely noble, but all of them completely human! Thanks for being brave enough to tell us your story. And thanks for admonishing the world for judging you and others like you. Shame on them!
Rob, it's good that you are dealing with each issue and writing about it. Just try to stay positive and keep away from negative thinkers! Love, Mom
Don't worry about what people who don't understand mental issues think too much. I have a mentally disturbed sister who is very dear to my heart. I understand what happened to her and she (and you) have my sympathy and support. It's a cross to bear and we should work on making each other's crosses to bear easier to deal with instead of harder.
Depression is very hard to deal with, both for the sufferer and the surrounding company. I've battled severe depression since I was a teen and have yet to find anyone in person who can identify with me. It so much more than feeling sorry for youself and being 'woe is me' all the time. There's nothing more hurtful that feeds the fire than being called crazy for something you have absolutely no control over. I feel for you Rob. Although I have never attempted suicide I have a hard time keeping companions for a long period of time. It's hard to live with someone like me, especially if you don't understand. Good luck to you (and me)! : )
Thank you for all of your comments!!! Please be aware that my writing about this is far from a "please feel sorry for me" or "poor me" sympathy piece. I appreciate these comments and hope that me writing about it might be able to help other who have been there/are going through the same sort of thing.
Thanks for your hub. I appreciate your honesty. I wish that depression wasn't such a stigma. I hope that hubs like ours will be helpful in working toward overcoming that stigma and more people will get the help they need.
I suffer from severe depression and have attempted suicide twice. I do not in any way feel stigmatised, although according to some I should. I can get lower than low, it's the way I'm wired and when I'm good I'm very good. So what the heck, admit it and be free. Great hub, great honesty, great person. Thank you.
Thank you! I don't have a problem admitting it. I have a problem with folks who think people who suffer from depression are "crazy"....
poetlorraine 2 years ago
personally i am so happy to see you still alive, and writing, and hope that one day people will start to understand mental illness a little better, and give people like yourself, who are trying so hard a break. Keep writing i will be sure to read.