Using the correct language to talk about mental health illnesses and suicide is incredibly important in destigmatizing what is still seen as a taboo subject.
Research has shown that when stigma is present, people avoid seeking help – help that in many cases could be life-saving. The act of suicide itself, long considered a crime, was only decriminalised for example in the United Kingdom as late as 1961.
The expression ‘committed suicide’, conveying wrongdoing and intent, lays blame on anyone having lost their battle against depression or mental illness, something we do not do for any other illness.
What needs to be understood is that mental illness is indeed an illness and not a ‘state of mind’ that one can just ‘snap out of’.
Each individual situation is unique but undoubtedly the use of more compassionate and appropriate expressions such as ‘lost his/her battle against depression or mental illness’ or ‘died by suicide’ is an invaluable first step in breaking down the stigma.
It was in an effort to destigmatize mental health illnesses and suicide that three Irish women came together in June 2018 to bring a worldwide charity event called Darkness Into Light to Luxembourg for the first time. The title of the event and the 5km walk towards the dawn symbolise the hope that a new day can bring to those affected by mental health issues and suicide.
Starting in Ireland in 2006 with 400 walkers, the event took place on 11 May 2019 at 203 venues across 21 countries and five continents. In Luxembourg, where an incredible 420 walked together for the first time despite the pouring rain, there was an immense feeling of solidarity with fellow walkers as we demonstrated that no-one need fight their battles alone.
Darkness Into Light Luxembourg partnered with D’Ligue (Service Information et Prévention) and SOS Détresse in 2019, raising 33,000 euros through registrations, donations and sponsorship.
A third charity has joined the project for 2020, Kanner-Jugendtelefon, and all funds raised will go to these three organisations to further their work in the mental health awareness and suicide prevention area.
The walk has been postponed to Saturday 3 October (6.30 a.m.), the Covid-19 health crisis permitting.
For more information please see Darkness Into Light Luxembourg on Facebook or contact the committee at darknessintolightluxembourg@gmail.com
