Eliminating the stigma starts by understanding why suicide occurs and advocating for mental health awareness within our communities. Maybe they are struggling with a mental illness or maybe they are under extreme pressure and do not have healthy coping skills or a strong support system.Īs a society, we should not be afraid to speak up about suicide, to speak up about mental illness or to seek out treatment for an individual who is in need. We all need to talk more about suicide.ĭebunking these common myths about suicide can hopefully allow individuals to look at suicide from a different angle-one of understanding and compassion for an individual who is internally struggling. Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others. Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide.įact: There is a widespread stigma associated with suicide and as a result, many people are afraid to speak about it. They are not simply, “thinking of themselves,” but rather they are going through a very serious mental health symptom due to either mental illness or a difficult life situation. Individuals who experience suicidal ideations do not do so by choice. These individuals are suffering so deeply that they feel helpless and hopeless. Myth: People who die by suicide are selfish and take the easy way out.įact: Typically, people do not die by suicide because they do not want to live-people die by suicide because they want to end their suffering. These loved ones may not recognize what’s going on, which is how it may seem like the suicide was sudden or without warning. Many individuals who are suicidal may only show warning signs to those closest to them. Therefore, it’s important to learn and understand the warnings signs associated with suicide. Myth: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.įact: Warning signs-verbally or behaviorally-precede most suicides. An individual with suicidal thoughts and attempts can live a long, successful life. While suicidal thoughts can return, they are not permanent. Once these thoughts dissipate, so will the suicidal ideation. The act of suicide is often an attempt to control deep, painful emotions and thoughts an individual is experiencing. And for those with mental illness, the proper treatment can help to reduce symptoms. Myth: Once an individual is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal.įact: Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific. Studies have shown that approximately 54% of individuals who have died by suicide did not have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Relationship problems and other life stressors such as criminal/legal matters, persecution, eviction/loss of home, death of a loved one, a devastating or debilitating illness, trauma, sexual abuse, rejection, and recent or impending crises are also associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts. Myth: Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.įact: Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness. Here are some of the most common myths and facts about suicide. And it is falsehoods like these that can prevent people from getting the help they need to get better.ĭebunking the common myths associated with suicide can help society realize the importance of helping others seek treatment and show individuals the importance of addressing their mental health challenges. However, suicidal ideation is not a brand or a label, it is a sign that an individual is suffering deeply and must seek treatment. Unfortunately, our society often paints suicide the way they would a prison sentence-a permanent situation that brands an individual. Within the past year, about 41,000 individuals died by suicide, 1.3 million adults have attempted suicide, 2.7 million adults have had a plan to attempt suicide and 9.3 million adults have had suicidal thoughts. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at to connect to a trained crisis counselor.
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