Myths About Suicide

Suicide is an emotive and divisive subject.  It is also highly complex with multiple factors usually at play, e.g. biological, psychological, life experiences, relationships and more. If we are to help people cope with emotional or difficult feelings, we need to be open and non-judgmental.

Be aware that there is much said about suicide, but not all of it is correct.

MYTH: TALKING TO SOMEONE ABOUT SUICIDE WILL MAKE THEM MORE LIKELY TO TAKE THEIR OWN LIVES

FACT:  Research shows that it is not risky to ask and is safer than saying nothing.  If you ask someone if they are thinking about killing themselves, you are showing how much you care for them.  If they are suicidal, they have a chance to talk and be supported.  If they’re not, no harm is done and they still know they can talk openly about their feelings and that someone cares there is something troubling them.

MYTH: SOMEONE TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE IS ATTENTION SEEKING

FACT: Anyone thinking about hurting or killing themselves deserves serious attention.  They are suffering and may feel without hope.  Anyone mentioning suicide needs to be taken seriously. 

MYTH: THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE MEANS THE PERSON IS MENTALLY ILL

FACT: Many people who have thoughts about suicide have no mental illness.

MYTH: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS ARE UNUSUAL AND NOT COMMON

FACT:  Anyone has the potential to think about killing themselves.  Up to 20% of young people will experience suicidal thoughts at some time.  If you are concerned about someone, ask them about it and support them as they talk about their feelings.

MYTH: DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE ARE ALWAYS LINKED

FACT: Many people with depression do not think about suicide and people die by suicide without being depressed. 

MYTH: PEOPLE WHO DIED BY SUICIDE WANTED TO DIE

FACT: Typically, people do not die by suicide because they do not want to live.  People die by suicide because they want to end their current suffering. These individuals are most likely to feel helpless and hopeless and they want those feelings to stop. Individuals who experience suicidal ideations do not do so by choice. They are going through a serious mental health incident or a difficult life situation.  

MYTH: I’VE TRIED ASKING FOR HELP AND IT’S NOT WORKED, THERE’S NO POINT ASKING AGAIN

FACT: It’s okay to seek help time and again until you feel heard, Reaching out takes courage so don’t give up.   You deserve to be heard and to be helped.

MYTH: ONCE I’VE HAD THOUGHTS ABOUT TAKING MY LIFE, THOSE THOUGHTS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE

FACT: For most people, feeling suicidal is an experience that lasts for a limited period of time.  Thoughts and feelings can change, and with help and support, a person’s feelings about life and suicide can change.  

Are you experiencing difficult emotions or do you know someone who is?