7 Myths About Suicide

Suicide: It’s a difficult topic to discuss, but it’s essential for reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.
According to Andy Rosenfeld, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families (VCCYF) at UVM Health Network, asking direct, compassionate questions can be lifesaving.
“Being clear about terms—including suicide, someone ending their life or dying by suicide—helps because we know what we're talking about; being direct reduces confusion,” says Dr. Rosenfeld. “But mainly it reduces associated stigma. If we don't talk about something, we're signaling it's not OK to talk about or experience it. Yet suicidality and other mental health problems are part of the diversity of human experience.”
People facing suicide can be dealing with very many different personal and social stressors. Often a mental health condition is a contributor, says Dr. Rosenfeld, from clinical depression to substance use or post-traumatic stress disorder. “Thoughts about suicide is not an uncommon problem,” he says.
Here, Dr. Rosenfeld explores some other misconceptions about suicide.
The Big Myths
Myth: Talking about or using the word ‘suicide’ will prompt people to act.
Truth: It’s always important to take talk of self-harm seriously, be kind and sensitive, ask direct questions about what they're thinking about. Mental health professionals can be very helpful getting at what's driving the suicidality: What are the main reasons for feeling suicidal? What would need to change to want to live? What are the main things keeping them alive?
If we're working with somebody who's suicidal, that means they’re looking for help. In addition to reducing stressors, we can try and build on the things that are going right.
Myth: Only troubled people are at risk of suicide.
Truth: All of us are at risk. Pay attention to what’s happening with yourself and loved ones rather than looking for a certain profile.
Factors like family history of suicide or mental health conditions may create some risk, but we cannot accurately predict who will suffer with suicidality.
There are so many things happening in our lives—whether things are going well at school, whether we have a job or lost a job, whether we have a relationship or lost a relationship. Just keep an open eye for those who might be struggling or suffering, ideally before it gets to the point of hopelessness and shame that can contribute to suicidal thinking.
Myth: Suicides are more common during the holidays.
Truth: While the holidays can be a tough time for many, it turns out that lower rates of suicide occur during November and December. Holiday times can be a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and/or loved ones to see how they are feeling.
Myth: Young people are most at risk of dying by suicide.
Truth: Young people are not the most likely to die by suicide. It’s actually older folks, 40s to 60s, especially men. Young people are affected: Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10 to 24.
While there's a lot of suffering related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, most times these do not end in death by suicide. There's a big opportunity to connect with and support folks of all ages struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Myth: Feeling suicidal is usually just adolescent moodiness.
Truth: It’s important to take suicidal thoughts or behaviors seriously. Just as emotions come and go, suicidal crises often improve with time. But adolescence is on average a time of both intense emotions and increased impulsivity. That can be a risky combination and deserves careful attention, often benefiting from the help of a mental health professional to evaluate and consider next steps.
Myth: If somebody decides they want to end their life, there's nothing anyone can do.
Truth: Actually, there's a lot we can do. Most people, once they're out of the moment and their suicide crisis passes, say ‘I don't want my life to be over.’ Holding them safe for a few moments or hours, listening, calling for help can be life-changing and lifesaving. Stopping somebody from ending their life once could keep them alive for many, many years.
Myth: People who talk about suicide are seeking attention.
Truth: We all need and deserve attention. Looking for attention is not necessarily bad. Understand what’s being communicated and take it seriously. Urge loved ones to talk to trusted supports. Maybe that's a primary care health professional. Maybe it's a mental health provider or therapist. Maybe it's a faith-based or spiritual support. For kids, it could be a coach, uncle, teacher or neighborhood adult. If you’re not sure how to proceed, find somebody who can help.
We can work together to support our loved ones and neighbors, reduce suffering, and save lives. If you or someone you know or love is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking of suicide, call or text to 988, or text TALK to 741741. Help is free, confidential and available 24/7.
After calling 988, veterans and service members can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. People who identify as LGBTQIA+ can press 3 for a crisis counselor trained to support all gender and sexual identities.
Let’s foster a community where help is always within reach.