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Depression Quote by Sally Brampton

“Killing oneself is, anyway, a misnomer. We don't kill ourselves. We are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive. When somebody dies after a long illness, people are apt to say, with a note of approval, "He fought so hard." And they are inclined to think, about a suicide, that no…” quote by Sally Brampton
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““Killing oneself is, anyway, a misnomer. We don't kill ourselves. We are simply defeated by the long, hard struggle to stay alive. When somebody dies after a long illness, people are apt to say, with a note of approval, "He fought so hard." And they are inclined to think, about a suicide, that no fight was involved, that somebody simply gave up. This is quite wrong.””

Sally Brampton

About This Quote

Source Interview: Podcast “Mental Health Matters”, 2022

Life is a relentless struggle; suicide is often mischaracterized as surrender rather than defeat by a challenges.

In simple terms: Suicide is not giving up but feeling defeated by ongoing hardship.

Key Takeaway

Recognize hidden struggles before labeling them as giving up.

Themes

mental health suicide perception stigma

Mood

empathetic reflective

Type

educational advocacy

When to use this quote

  • health counseling
  • public health campaigns
  • support groups
  • education programs

Key Concepts

psychology resilience social narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we better support those feeling defeated?
  • What language reduces stigma around suicide?
A Different Perspective

Not all suffering is visible; external judgments can ignore internal pain.

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