Alexandre Baril, an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Ottawa and an author focused on critical suicidology and systemic oppression, dives deep into his powerful book, Undoing Suicidism. He redefines the conversation around suicide, urging society to reevaluate stigma and systemic biases that impact individuals facing suicidal thoughts. Baril advocates for a supportive, dignity-focused approach to suicide care, challenging existing narratives and emphasizing self-determination and the need for compassionate, informed conversations.
The conversation around suicide must shift from individual pathologization to acknowledging suicidism as a systemic form of oppression.
A suicide affirmative approach promotes the rights and autonomy of suicidal individuals by fostering open discussions about their experiences and desires.
Deep dives
Understanding Suicide and Suicidality
Suicide is defined as the act of voluntarily taking one's life and falls under the broader umbrella of suicidality, which includes suicidal ideations, attempts, and completed suicides. The terms assisted suicide and medical assistance in dying (MAID) signify distinct practices that vary by country, with some allowing voluntary euthanasia while others restrict medical professionals' involvement. The stigma associated with the term 'suicide' often influences the language used to discuss these topics, leading to attempts to reframe it in a more positive light, similar to how marginalized groups have reappropriated negative terms. Ultimately, the educational aspect of redefining these terms is essential for fostering a more compassionate understanding of individuals seeking autonomy over their lives.
The Concept of Suicidism
Suicidism refers to the systemic oppression faced by suicidal individuals, where they experience discrimination, pathologization, and inhumane treatment. This phenomenon operates at various social and institutional levels, demonstrating how those expressing suicidal ideation often encounter negative consequences rather than support. The harm caused by conventional suicide prevention services disproportionately affects marginalized populations, resulting in heightened risks of discrimination and furthering suicidality. By acknowledging suicidism as a form of oppression, the conversation can shift from individual pathologization to a collective understanding of structural issues impacting suicidal people.
Critique of Current Suicide Prevention Approaches
Current suicide prevention strategies often prioritize the preservation of life over the lived experiences of suicidal individuals, framing them as irrational or incompetent. This approach disallows honest conversations about suicide and disregards the complexity of individual desires for death, thereby perpetuating stigma. Additionally, the distinction between acceptable reasons for seeking assisted death and the rejection of suicidality as a rational choice highlights an unequal application of compassion based on societal norms. The systemic failures of these models contribute to high rates of completed suicides, emphasizing the need for a shift towards a more humane, understanding, and accommodating approach.
Advocating for a Suicide Affirmative Approach
A suicide affirmative approach champions the rights and autonomy of suicidal individuals by promoting open discussions about their desires and experiences. This framework seeks to replace the punitive structures of traditional suicide prevention with supportive environments that prioritize informed consent and self-determination. Echoing trans-affirmative paradigms, it emphasizes the necessity of empowering individuals to express their choices without fear of coercion or stigmatization. By fostering compassionate dialogues around the potential for assisted suicide, the objective is not to encourage death but rather to create avenues of connection and understanding that can ultimately reduce feelings of isolation and despair among suicidal individuals.
In this episode, I'm joined by Alexandre Baril, Associate professor of Social Work at the University of Ottawa to discuss his book, Undoing Suicidism. You can access the English version of the book for free below. This episode discusses sensitive subject matter including suicide, self harm, and systemic violence. Please listen with care. You will also find English and French Canadian mental health resources below in case you require them.
