Treating the Root Problem
Published: July 8, 2010
Too often people are tempted to put a band-aid on a problem instead of really fixing it. That was the thought that came to mind when I read an article in the Globe & Mail titled “Suicide barrier on Bloor Viaduct worked, but jumpers went elsewhere”:
The Bloor Viaduct suicide barrier, a $6-million feat of engineering that managed to marry heritage preservation and life preservation, has eliminated suicides from a bridge that became notorious for them.
But it hasn’t stopped people from jumping to their death: They’re just using other locations.
A study to be published in the British Medical Journal Wednesday found that although the barrier stopped people from jumping from the Bloor Viaduct, it didn’t lower rates of suicide overall, and it didn’t lower the number of suicides by jumping.
These are sad statistics. I can understand the rationale for the barriers: There were many people jumping to their deaths from the bridge, so barriers were installed to prevent people from doing that. Unfortunately that doesn’t treat the root cause of the problem, it merely attempts to prevent the outward actions associated with it. Those who were serious enough about their intentions that they wanted to end their life weren’t deterred by the barriers, because it didn’t address their problem.
The “treat the symptoms” approach often unintentionally speaks a lack of caring for the individual. “We don’t care if you’re still hurting,” it seems to say, “just don’t do anything that bothers us anymore.” Instead of paying $6million to install suicide barriers, wouldn’t that money have been better spent analyzing the reasons that people were driven to take their own lives, and attempting to address those problems?
If you have been going through difficult times, the problem won’t go away by merely addressing the symptoms. If you’d like to speak with someone privately about what you’ve been going through and get to the heart of the matter, contact a mentor today privately & confidentially, to talk about it.
If you have been having suicidal thoughts lately, there is help and hope available. Here is a list of suicide help contact numbers that you can call immediately. There is also the personal story of someone who became suicidal but was able to overcome her battle here that you may find helpful.
That is what i expected. You all really dont get it do ya? Its ok.. mighty christian of you though. I wish you well and hope you are healthy and happy ..and may God forgive you!!
blue-jay, I found your comment is a bit confusing. Who doesn’t get what? Do you have advice or experiences you could share with others who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or the kind of thoughts that could lead to suicidal thoughts? If so please feel free to share.
I think since the title of the article is “Treating the Root Problem” the reader thinks there will be some information about treatment…the article is pretty generic, but at least you all leave options the readers can click on, (I haven’t opened the links, just thinking about what blue-jay commented.
This is a good article. One that is very true and real. We do need to get to the root of the problem. I used to be depressed because I was unemployed and didn’t really know how things were going to work out. Today, I encourage everyone who is going through something right now – whether its a failed relationship, financial hardships, or whatever it is – I ask you to hold on because it will pass. The problem will work itself out. Just believe. God bless.
It is often very difficult for a counselor or helper to write generically on a tough subject without pouring out all the recommendations, treatments and advice so anyone and everyone can get a hold of it. That could be just as detrimental as coming to a concise answer to an individuals problem or issue. So, I fully understand the article, and what a vision could be to help intervene against suicidal thoughts and attempts vs. putting a bandage on the problem, or simply throwing money at it.
We need to pray and ask God for his help. After Satan was kicked out of the Kingdom, and took followers with him, the kingdom crystalized. If God can use us to help remove the shadows of dark clouds and darkness from the faces of those who would remain, He would be increasing His kingdom through us. Are people commiting suicide to get out of that Kingdom of Heaven? “Help us Lord to understand thy ways, and use us Oh Lord. Thy Kingdom Come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven, world without end, Amen”.