Common myths about suicide

Myth: Talking about suicide leads to and encourages suicide.

Fact: Talking about suicide actually may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Talking honestly and clearly about suicide improves mental health outcomes and increases the likelihood that someone will seek treatment. Starting this conversation can help people find alternative ways of viewing their life and their struggles. 

Open conversations about suicide can help reduce stigma and create supportive environments. Having open conversations not only helps people who are struggling, but also helps everyone who wants to support them, show them compassion, and point them to authentic help. 

Myth: Suicide only affects people who are mentally ill.

Fact: Many people who have mental health conditions are not suicidal, and not all people who attempt suicide have a mental illness. Many different life stressors—including relationship challenges, legal matters, housing instability, death of a loved one, chronic illness, trauma, and abuse—can be associated with suicidal thoughts.

Myth: Once someone is suicidal, they’ll always be suicidal.

Fact: Active thoughts about suicide are often short term and specific to the person’s situation. Suicide is often considered by someone as an attempt to control deep, painful emotions and thoughts. Once these thoughts dissipate, so will the suicidal ideation. While suicidal thoughts can return, they are not permanent.

Myth: Most suicides happen suddenly and “out of the blue.”

Fact: Warning signs are often displayed before someone attempts or dies by suicide. It’s important that we’re all aware of the most common warning signs. 

Remember that many people may only show warning signs to those closest to them. Their loved ones may not be aware of these warning signs, which is why a suicide can feel sudden or unexpected.

Myth: People who die by suicide take the “easy way out” or do it for attention.

Fact: Remember: People who die by suicide do so not because they do not want to live but because they want to end overwhelming emotional pain and suffering. People who end their lives often feel so hopeless and helpless that they cannot think of any way out. Rather than seeking attention, they are often experiencing serious emotional distress that requires compassionate intervention and support.

Myth: There’s nothing you can do to stop someone who wants to die by suicide.

Fact: Suicide is preventable, even as it is complex and sometimes unpredictable. Most people will experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors for a limited time period. With the right support, these thoughts and behaviors can dissipate. 

Speak openly and compassionately to someone who is showing warning signs. Be direct. This directness puts time, space, and compassion between them and the potential of ending their life. Take action and speak up. 

Myth: Giving someone a number to call is enough.

Fact: 24/7 suicide hotlines can be very effective at helping people in crisis, but it’s not enough to hope that a suicidal person will pick up the phone. It’s vital to help facilitate the next step toward getting that person help, such as asking what you can do and finding a counselor or mental health professional for them.

References: National Alliance on Mental Illness, Aetna, Mayo Clinic Health System