Stupid Fast

Suicide is a charged topic for many people, and it can be difficult to discuss. It can be triggering for those who have experienced past trauma and intellectually discomforting for others. It is widely thought that these challenges in talking about suicide, however, should be braved in the classroom. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Per an article by Sandy Cohen, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 20% of high schoolers have suicidal ideations, and 9% have attempted suicide (Suicide Rate Highest Among Teens and Young Adults). Talking about suicide in a fictional context not only helps dispel negative stigma surrounding suicide, but it can also save lives.

Myths, misconceptions, and ignorance about suicide have a negative impact on both those with suicidal thoughts and on survivors of suicide loss. When Felton Reinstein is five years old, he discovers his father’s body hanging in the garage. Felton frequently refers to this event during his narrative, and though he speaks of it matter-of-factly, often using dark humor, the event has a huge emotional impact on him. Because of stigmatization around suicide, survivors of suicide loss face unique challenges in addition to the already-difficult process of mourning the loss of a loved one, including feelings of anger and guilt. Felton feels both anger and a sense of abandonment: He “blame[s]” his dad for leaving him behind, stranded in Bluffton. Felton also feels hurt and guilty, thinking at age 11 that his dad “obviously didn’t want to be with [him]” (12), and wondering at age 15 why Steven did not love him. These thoughts indicate self-blame, even though Steven’s suicide was out of his control.

Felton does not receive support in his grieving process. In fact, the opposite is true: Felton experiences stigmatization. Kids at school think he is “weird.” He is isolated, anxious, and self-stigmatizes. The voice in his head is critical and fearful of others’ judgment. He feels that he and his life are “not normal.” Jerri’s response to her husband’s suicide is also stigmatizing and unsupportive. By erasing her husband’s physical mementos, refusing to talk about him, and perpetuating a lie, Jerri erects a “wall of silence” around the suicide that inhibits the grieving process and creates a risk factor for suicide (Suicide and Stigma). Jerri recognizes this danger, worrying that Felton is considering suicide. Jerri is also at risk: One of the reasons she must go to a treatment facility is to prevent self-harm.

According to Dr. Carl Fleisher of UCLA Health, “Teenagers and adolescents have the highest rates of suicide compared to other ages” because teens are still developing the area of their brains that affect the ability to make sound judgment calls. Because of this, teens are hastier, and tend not to consider far-reaching consequences (Cohen). Puberty, characterized by emotional changes and identity formation, may contribute to a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Felton, though he dismisses Jerri’s concerns, does show risk factors for suicide. He has low self-esteem caused by bullying, self-doubt, and a limited peer support group. “Vulnerable self-esteem” indicates a greater likelihood for suicide than depression does (Cohen).

Studies reveal that talking about suicide can protect against suicidal thoughts. Reading books or watching movies that concern suicide “may be sources or social support or mental health literacy and thus reduce the suicide risk constituted by a low sense of belonging” (Reading Books and Watching Films as a Protective Factor Against Suicidal Ideation).

However, the portrayal must be careful and considerate in order to be an effective protective measure. Felton’s narration does not meet these criteria. Felton perpetuates stigma around suicide in his language and his insensitivity to mental health conditions. He reasons, “Dad murdered Dad, right?” and was “likely nuts” (22, 65). He equates his dad’s death to a crime and negatively stereotypes him. Felton also does not empathize with Steven’s mental health conditions, and only briefly alludes to wondering why his father died by suicide. Felton goes through a volatile emotional journey as he learns more about his father, from loving Steven (albeit with conflicted emotions regarding his suicide), to seeing him as a “giant, dead, sex maniac tennis player” (263), to having unresolved feelings after seeing the photograph Jerri left behind. Steven’s side of the story is lost. These are elements that require examination and discussion.

The National Action Alliance for Suicide cautions that fictional portrayals of suicide must be “done responsibly” (National Recommendations for Depicting Suicide). They recommend using non-judgmental language and showing that multiple factors contribute to suicide. The fictional story about suicide should also include supportive characters and characters that have suicidal ideation but do not go through with a suicide. It should discuss avenues for assistance and describe the mental health recovery journey of suicide loss survivors (National Recommendations). If these criteria are met, fictional depictions of suicide can help dispel social stigma and lower risk of suicide.

Suicide is a growing mental health concern among adolescents and young adults. Introducing books into the classroom or home that have responsible portrayals of suicide opens the door for non-judgmental discussion of mental health and helps dispel the stigma surrounding suicide.