Every month is suicide prevention month

Each year, suicide claims the lives of over 700,000 people around the world, according to the World Health Organization. The CDC sites approximately 50,000 people die by suicide annually in the United States with a reported 12.8 who think seriously about suicide. 80 percent of these suicides are by individuals who identify as male. Despite increased efforts to raise awareness, suicide remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized issues in mental health.

It’s important to examine common myths and replace them with facts, which creates a more supportive environment where individuals feel safe asking for help and allows a person to be connected to resources. Suicide prevention starts with suicide awareness. 

Suicide does not have one single cause. Mental health conditions (such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders), life stressors, trauma, chronic illness, and a sense of hopelessness or despair all can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. 

Myth: Talking about suicide will make someone do it.

Fact: Talking openly and supportively about suicide does not increase the risk; it reduces it. Asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide can be the first step in helping them feel understood and supported.

“Are you thinking about ending your life?” or “Have you had thoughts of killing yourself?” You can also ask “Have you thought about when and how you would do it?” and “Have you tried to commit suicide before?” Be direct and use clear questions, while showing compassion and care. 

Myth: Suicide is selfish.

Fact: People who die by suicide are in intense pain and may believe they are a burden to others. It is not about someone being selfish and it is about someone feeling hopeless. The individual is suffering.

Myth: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.

Fact: All expressions of suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. Whether verbal or behavioral, these are often expressing the need for help. Labeling someone as “attention-seeking” can very well dismiss real suffering and may prevent someone from getting the support they need.

Myth: Only people with diagnosed mental illness die by suicide.

Fact: Mental health disorders are indeed a major risk factor but not everyone who dies by suicide has a diagnosed mental health disorder. Acute life stressors like relationship break-ups or struggles, financial problems, or major life transitions can also contribute. Additionally, someone can be suffering with mental health without having been diagnosed.

Myth: If someone is determined to die by suicide, nothing can stop them.

Fact: There is help for someone struggling. Compassion and support while getting individual mental health support can help someone change their decision. Help can include therapy and medication management. 

Immediate intervention when someone has a plan for suicide is necessary. There are crisis supports to help individuals. If your loved one is in crisis and sharing suicidal thoughts and plans it is recommended to contact emergency services, calling 911 or bringing them to the emergency room for immediate intervention to keep the person safe. Additionally, if someone already has a mental health clinician they work with, the person may already have a crisis plan that has been discussed and can be followed. Someone in crisis can call or text 988 the suicide crisis hotline. Get Help - 988 Lifeline