When researchers study suicide, they often focus on dissecting WHY individuals turn to suicide. Unfortunately, the “why” of suicide is multi-faceted, layered, and complicated. A mixture of social, relationship, mental and external issues can dictate how cloudy a person's "fog" is.
Every fog is a different thickness and is made up of elements unique to that person. It's important to understand that one person's struggle is different than the next.
Focusing on each atomized particle of the fog can be exhausting and unhelpful. It can often lead to narrow and shallow approaches to supporting individuals. The "why" is less important than we think. It can be more helpful to focus on improving mental health resources. Resources (such as call centers or other people) can be guiding lights through personal storms. As a society, we need to start focusing on keeping these lights bright so they can help maneuver people out of the fog before they completely give up.
Each state has a different fog level. Some are affected more severely than others...
How can we be guides and light sources for those that need help to navigate through uncertainty?
How is each state handling these different fog patterns?
Household items used: Tissue paper
Gloves
Tape