A man whose platform promoted positivity and well-being through dance and music has sparked a conversation about mental health after his surprising death.
LOS ANGELES — The recent suicide of DJ tWitch, who made it his mission to spread positivity and wellness through dance, has taken social media by surprise.
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a hotel room on Tuesday, according to various reports.
Boss is best known for his choreography and musical mixes on the Ellen DeGeneres show.
DeGeneres and TMZ confirmed his death via Twitter. “My heart is broken.” DeGeneres wrote. Among others who shared their love for the late dancer:
It started the conversation about men’s mental health.
“It’s okay to cry, don’t be afraid to ask for help, your family needs you, God has a purpose for you,” one Twitter user wrote after hearing about the death.
According to the American Foundation of Science Prevention, in 2020 alone, men died by suicide 3.88 times more than women. Many equate the increase due to how men are perceived in many different social and cultural contexts.
“Many of us black men normalize to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders,” another user wrote.
“Does this person dancing with his son look like a human with mental health issues?” another user wrote. Thus emphasizing the fact that mental health does not have a look. In this case, how to spot a call for help?
It’s easier said than done, but how do you start having those difficult conversations?
Start the conversation
What does it take to start these conversations at home?
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention breaks it down and offers common conversation starters to start the conversation about health. Here are some tips they suggest:
- Let people know you’re ready to talk about #MentalHealth.
- Trust your instincts if you think someone is going through a tough time and talk to them privately.
- The timing doesn’t have to be perfect
- Reassurance is key – let them know that whatever the issue, you are here to talk about it
- If you think the other person might be more comfortable talking with someone else, you can offer to help them connect.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, don’t be afraid to call 988 for help.
#Internet #reacts #Stephen #tWitch #Boss #death #sparks #conversation #mens #mental #health