Following several tragic student suicides, many educators have struggled with painful questions — Why does this happen? Could I have seen it coming? Was it a reaction to something I did or said?
Sometimes, people assume suicide is an act of retaliation or a spontaneous emotional reaction.
But the truth is more complex — and far more important to understand.
Suicide is not a routine reaction. It is a collapse of coping in a vulnerable person — when pain outweighs hope, and the ability to reach for help fades.
Everyone experiences frustration, shame, or anger at some point.
Yet only some reach a point where coping fails completely. Recognizing that vulnerability, rather than judging the response, is where prevention begins.
💚 We’d like to hear your perspective.
Please take a moment to share your view in this short, anonymous poll below.
Your insights will help shape future awareness sessions and faculty development discussions.
💚 This reflection is part of our Faculty Development Webinar on Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Depression & Suicidal Ideation in Students — October 25, 2025.
Read our previous reflection: When Strength Hurts: Rethinking Resilience and Mental Health in Health Sciences Education.
Join the conversation in our Faculty Development webinar👉 Register or learn more here
💚 Awareness saves lives. Understanding sustains them.
Teaching mentorship should be selected based on passion for education and not merely for an income. As teachers, we should be approachable and adaptable to changing methods of teaching & the ever changing psyche of the present students. I feel the learning process should be analysed & adapted to cater to the present generation with broadmindedness.