i understand is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan that provides compassionate comfort, support, and hope to those living with a mental/brain health illness or pain, and to those who have been affected by suicide. 

OUR PASSION 

At i understand, we believe in a world where the stigma surrounding mental/brain health and suicide is erased. To fulfill this goal, we must change the narrative of how people view suicide through focusing on the underlying illness and pain as opposed to the act.

OUR GOAL

i understand believes that to change this narrative, we must change the definition of the word itself. This change involves altering the stigmatized definition of” intentionally taking one’s own life,” to one that incorporates suicide’s role as a “terminal side effect of a mental/brain health illness or pain.” By doing so, we can open the conversation about suicide in a way that will encourage those in pain to reach out and seek help.

Be the Change, Be the One for Someone

Words carry impact, and i understand believes in making a positive impact surrounding mental/brain health and suicide. Removing stigmatizing words, such as “kill,” “commit,” and “crazy,” can build a sense of compassion and hope in our community. With compassion and hope, and talking about the illness rather than the act, we can be there for our loved ones and truly understand.

You don't have to have a mental/brain health illness to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Anyone can feel pain, despair, or hopelessness. Difficulties like heartbreak, bullying, financial loss, grief, isolation, severe physical pain, or any difficult circumstance can cause pain that can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions.

Sign the petition to show that you are willing to support those in your life who may be struggling. Demonstrate that you hold an understanding of the pain they feel. Sign for those who have lost a loved one to this devastating effect of illness or pain. Isn’t it time that we have conversations surrounding the pain that leads to suicide, rather than the act itself?

We believe it’s important to talk about WHY someone died rather than HOW someone died by suicide. And those reasons revolve around a struggle so deep that the person sees no other way to manage. The illness takes over, and too often, it wins. We need to focus on the mental/brain health illness or pain leading to the death, and the causes and symptoms rather than the act itself. This will increase understanding and reduce the stigma attached to suicide and, in turn, will save lives.

i understand calls on the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention and the National Alliance on Mental Illness to change or add our updated definition of suicide on their website and in their literature. It is time to change the definition so that all of these circumstances can be discussed openly and honestly, providing relief and hope for those struggling. It is important to recognize that these illnesses and pain are treatable and preventable.