Are you curious?

[Brian Ruguru]

Curiosity is human nature. Of course, I'd want to know what triggered the feeling and attempt to help them based on that focal point. However, if I felt they're unwilling to share, I'd respect the privacy and be supportive in the best way possible.

[Marissa Maniaci]

For me, this question highlights what was so dangerous about 13 Reasons Why. While it is typically true that addressing suicide in media reduces stigma, there is a clear contrast in how Swimming in a Sea of Stars handled suicide compared to 13 Reasons Why. I don't think there typically IS an apparent reason a suicidal person could give to explain their attempt. While triggering factors and trauma may precede a suicide attempt, I don't think we can ignore the complex mental illness aspect. I think this type of portrayal isolates people struggling with depression and suicidal ideation without those types of traumatic events because it encourages that mindset of "well what do you have to be suicidal about? Your life is fine." Even if there are stimuli that led to a suicide attempt, I don't think it is fair to place that kind of blame and guilt on someone's shoulders. This obviously doesn't excuse any type of abuse or assault, but we can't just point a finger and say someone is responsible for the actions of someone dealing with mental illness and suicidal ideations. In fact, I think starting to assign blame would give the message that supportive loved ones SHOULD feel guilty and responsible because it is possible for someone to cause another person's suicide attempt.

[Omneya Shakeep]

Sure, I will be curious, but I won't invade their privacy. I will try to give my support in any way I see fit, and I will assure them I am there to listen if they ever need someone to listen.

[Cheryl Erickson]

I am always curious to understand why people do the things that they do. One of my majors in college was psychology because I love learning about the human mind. Then I feel inclined to help someone if that's possible.

[Timothy Rucinski]

Most certainly, I would be curious. And more, I would wonder what I could do, if anything, to help ease the situation. I think many of us wonder what we would do or say in such a situation, but it isn't until we are faced with the reality of it that our own personal strength or weakness is displayed. At this stage of my life, I think that I have banked at least a little bit of wisdom to ask, to listen, to respond, and to accept.

[Jemma Tredinnick]

For me, this question highlights what was so dangerous about 13 Reasons Why. While it is typically true that addressing suicide in media reduces stigma, there is a clear contrast in how Swimming in a Sea of Stars handled suicide compared to 13 Reasons Why. I don't think there typically IS an apparent reason a suicidal person could give to explain their attempt. While triggering factors and trauma may precede a suicide attempt, I don't think we can ignore the complex mental illness aspect. I think this type of portrayal isolates people struggling with depression and suicidal ideation without those types of traumatic events because it encourages that mindset of "well what do you have to be suicidal about? Your life is fine." Even if there are stimuli that led to a suicide attempt, I don't think it is fair to place that kind of blame and guilt on someone's shoulders. This obviously doesn't excuse any type of abuse or assault, but we can't just point a finger and say someone is responsible for the actions of someone dealing with mental illness and suicidal ideations. In fact, I think starting to assign blame would give the message that supportive loved ones SHOULD feel guilty and responsible because it is possible for someone to cause another person's suicide attempt.

This is a really great take on suicide that resonates with me. A very dear friend attempted suicide a few years ago and I felt so guilty for not spotting the signs. There was no particular trigger they were clinically depressed and going through a tough time. Externally their life was fine but the internal struggles were real. We have talked about it since and I am much more aware of their mental health now and I can spot the signs of a downward spiral beginning. Often they are unaware so an early intervention can help. I don't think curiosity is an issue as such more an awareness that these things can happen and that it isn't necessarily anyone's fault.

[Sharill Rasowo]

As a human being, it is natural to be curious but I would not ask as it may come off as judgemental and would only increase the stigma they faced. I would try to be there for them if we are acquaintances but not pressure them and hopefully, they will open up to me.

[Mari Inez]

Throughout my high school career, I knew of multiple students who committed suicide. And yes there is going to be a curiosity. People who have suffered from severe depression, and have had suicidal thoughts can understand and may not have so much curiosity. I think people have a curiosity because they cannot fathom the feelings one goes through that lead them to such a decision.

If it was a friend, of course, I would wish I could be there for them. But ultimately. there is not much a friend can do for someone in this position and addressing the mental health concerns is key.

[Jennifer Coxon]

I am a very curious person so I would probably be on the wanting to understand why pile. However, I'm also cautious of overstepping and would never ask not wanting to make a thing of it for them.

[Amy Luman]

If you're not a medical professional, I don’t think you really need to know why. There are lots of reasons, but it isn't anyone else's fault. There was really nothing that anyone else could do. Once the victim/ survivor gets to the place of actually going through with their plan, it's finished.

[Mari Inez]

I am a very curious person so I would probably be on the wanting to understand why pile. However, I'm also cautious of overstepping and would never ask not wanting to make a thing of it for them.

Curiosity is human nature. I too am a very curious person. The important part is what you do with that and in this situation, it's important to be considerate.

[Prince Oyedeji Oyeleke Jayeola]

Although I haven't had contact with anyone who tried committing suicide but if I was in the Alison shoe I would be curious. I guess being curious is part of what makes us human.

[Cristina Chifane]

Overall, let's pay more attention to how people around us feel. Very often, we are too preoccupied with our problems to understand the more or less visible signs of distress others might show. A word of comfort or a smile at the right moment might help a suicidal person change his/her mind.

[Huini Hellen]

It's important to understand that suicide is a complicated and varied problem that is seldom the consequence of a single cause or action. Mental health issues may be very personal and may not always be obvious to others, even close friends. While it is normal to question what might have been done better, it is critical to recognise that you cannot accept responsibility for the acts of others. It's impossible to speculate as to what would have influenced what transpired in this specific case. Suicide prevention is a collective effort, and it is critical that people support one another and pay attention to symptoms of sadness or struggle.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Many years ago, my best friend attempted suicide. Thankfully it was unsuccessful, he called me in tears, told me what he'd done, and I went to his assistance. We talked into the night about what got him to that point, I'd been aware that he was stressed about things but didn't realise how bad it had become. We promised each other that night that if either of us felt things were too much, to call one another. 30+ years later, he's thriving, and even though he's had dark moments, because of our pact, he never got that close again. I'm a huge proponent of the #AreYouOK campaign and think we should all take the time to check in with our friends to ensure none of them has to deal with the pressure alone.