World Suicide Prevention Day: A GP’s Reflection on Compassion, Healing, and Hope
As a General Practitioner, I have borne witness to the silent struggles that too many people face, often behind closed doors. I have had the privilege of caring for patients through their darkest times, but also the unbearable sorrow of losing some to suicide. The loss of a patient to suicide is devastating—it’s a loss that leaves behind deep questions, and it is something that never truly fades from your heart. On World Suicide Prevention Day, I reflect on the ways in which we, as healthcare providers, can help patients heal from their past, and foster hope for their future, using compassion-focused approaches, lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, and coaching techniques.
Healing from the Past with Compassion
One of the hardest truths I have come to understand through my practice is that many patients carry wounds from their past that shape their present-day mental health. Childhood trauma, unresolved grief, chronic stress, and painful experiences can leave lasting emotional scars. For many, these wounds are the foundation of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
In the past, our focus was often on addressing the symptoms—prescribing antidepressants or arranging for talking therapies. While these remain essential tools, they are often not enough. The real work lies in helping patients heal from their past with compassion.
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) encourages patients to acknowledge their suffering without judgement. It teaches individuals to treat themselves with the same kindness and understanding they would extend to others. This approach can be profoundly healing, as many patients wrestle with deep feelings of shame, guilt, or unworthiness. By cultivating self-compassion, patients begin to heal from their past and view themselves with more acceptance. This shift can reduce the internal battles that contribute to suicidal thoughts.
As GPs, we are in a unique position to offer compassion in our consultations. Our words, our approach, and our empathy can serve as a model for how patients treat themselves. When we listen attentively, without rushing, and show genuine care, we create a space where patients feel valued and heard. For many, this is the first step in their healing journey.
The Power of Lifestyle Medicine
The connection between mental health and physical wellbeing is undeniable. Lifestyle medicine—addressing factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management—has become a key part of my approach to mental health care. Encouraging patients to adopt healthier lifestyles can play a pivotal role in improving their mood, reducing anxiety, and building resilience.
Regular physical activity, for instance, has been shown to release endorphins, reduce inflammation, and increase brain function—all of which can reduce symptoms of depression. Encouraging patients to move their bodies, whether through walking, yoga, or more structured exercise, helps to reconnect them with the physical and mental benefits of movement.
Nutrition, too, plays a significant role in mental health. A diet rich in whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based nutrients supports brain health and emotional regulation. Poor diets, on the other hand, can exacerbate mood disorders and fatigue. By encouraging patients to make small, manageable changes to their diet, we empower them to take control of their health in ways that impact both body and mind.
Equally important is sleep and stress management. Many patients who struggle with suicidal thoughts also suffer from chronic sleep deprivation or overwhelming stress. Lifestyle medicine gives us the tools to help patients make gradual changes—establishing a sleep routine, practicing mindfulness, or finding ways to reduce stress—that can alleviate the mental fog and fatigue that accompany poor mental health.
Positive Psychology: Building on Strengths
Positive psychology focuses on what is right in a person’s life rather than just on what is wrong. This shift in focus is powerful for patients who may feel overwhelmed by their struggles. In my practice, I have found that helping patients identify their strengths, joys, and sources of meaning can counterbalance the weight of their mental health challenges.
By encouraging patients to cultivate gratitude, engage in activities that bring them fulfillment, and build strong, supportive relationships, we help them build resilience. When patients are able to recognize and lean on their strengths, they often feel more capable of handling life’s challenges, which can reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Coaching Techniques for Empowerment
Coaching techniques offer patients a way to look forward, setting goals for their health, relationships, and personal growth. In contrast to traditional therapy, which often focuses on understanding the past, coaching is future-focused. It empowers patients to take action and make positive changes in their lives.
I work with patients to set realistic, attainable goals that align with their values. Whether it’s improving their physical health, enhancing their emotional wellbeing, or working toward career or relationship goals, coaching helps patients gain clarity and purpose. This forward momentum can provide a sense of hope and direction, especially for those who feel stuck in the despair of mental illness.
A Compassionate, Holistic Approach to Suicide Prevention
As GPs, we are often the first line of defense in suicide prevention. Our role goes far beyond prescribing medication—it’s about understanding the whole person and helping them heal on multiple levels. Lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, and coaching provide a holistic framework for enhancing a patient’s wellbeing, but compassion remains at the heart of it all.
When we acknowledge a patient’s pain, help them build healthier lives, and empower them to move forward with hope, we give them tools to navigate life’s difficulties. Most importantly, we show them that they are not alone in their struggles, and that healing is possible.
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, I urge my colleagues, patients, and community to reflect on the importance of compassion in healthcare. Let us create environments where patients feel heard, valued, and supported. Let us continue to integrate evidence-based, holistic approaches to enhance mental and physical health. And let us commit to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide, so that no one has to suffer in silence.
Every life we touch is an opportunity to prevent suicide. Together, we can make a difference—one act of compassion at a time.
