The Bloor Viaduct in Toronto is a 101-year-old bridge spanning the Don Valley. It was North America’s number two suicide spot, up until the construction of a safety barrier, known as the “Luminous Veil,” in 2001.
After 14 long years as a dull, uninspiring metal structure, the safety barrier now has a reason to be called the Luminous Veil. The veil was fitted with lights this past summer which respond to changes in weather and temperature—an expensive but complementary addition to the rather humdrum design.
To me, the barrier’s new lighting is part of a rebirth for the Bloor Viaduct as a symbol of positivity for those who have struggled with and overcome suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Over the last decade, the stigma around discussing mental illness has started to break down. Through campaigns such as Bell Let’s Talk, more people are comfortable coming forward to talk about their struggles, and others are obtaining a better understanding of friends, family, and colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health.
And yet, there is still a reluctance in the media to discuss suicide. There are ethical concerns that can prevent the media from reporting suicides, because it can be triggering for people who have suicidal thoughts. This is a just concern. But suicide does not have to be addressed only on a case-by-case basis.
The Canadian media can, and should, instead be part of a national discussion as to why suicide happens, and what we can do to help those who might be considering committing suicide. Instead of being too scared to address the problem, journalists can help the public uncover answers.
While the City of Toronto managed to stop suicides at the Bloor Viaduct, the barrier’s construction hasn’t made an impact on the city’s total suicide rate.
That’s because it’s not as simple as constructing a physical barrier. We also have to understand and empathize as human beings. We have to help our friends, colleagues, and family members when they are in trouble. We have to give them access to the services they might need to help them through it.
Canadian media could play a role in this through education, discussion, and distribution of information. As Steven Page said, “the best that we can do, as a community, is to hold our arms out, like [the Bloor Viaduct’s] Luminous Veil and catch people if we can, when they fall. That’s what we’re here for.”
After all, the primary endeavour of reporting is to seek the truth. The simple truth of suicide is that we can’t ignore it and hope it goes away. To understand what someone else is going through requires not only understanding, but education, and an ongoing effort to break down long-held misconceptions about mental illness and suicide.
If we try, we can each be like the lighting on the Luminous Veil—a comforting guide that helps to light the path of those finding their way home in the dark. I believe, and hope, that the media could be part of a long-awaited breakthrough on these issues.
