Debunking common myths about suicide
While social stigma about suicide means that open conversations about the topic are rare, the reality is that suicide is a in the United States. In 2023, more than 49,000 people died by suicide. That amounts to about one death every 11 minutes.
Despite its prevalence, suicide can still be difficult to talk about. So, in honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, is debunking some common myths related to suicide. Learning the facts about suicide can help you spot the warning signs, challenge stigmas, and potentially save a life.
Key takeaways:
- Knowing the facts about suicide can help you debunk harmful myths. For example, you don鈥檛 have to have a mental health condition to experience suicidal ideation.
- Suicide is a sensitive topic that can be hard to talk about. But if you鈥檙e worried about someone, don鈥檛 hesitate to bring it up directly.
- If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, support is available. Crisis resources,* therapists, and support groups can help you navigate this experience and stay safe.
*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. If you鈥檙e experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
Myth 1: People who talk about suicide don't actually do it.
Fact: Most people who die by suicide show warning signs or talk about their suicidal thoughts beforehand. In many cases, this can be a cry for help. If you hear someone make a comment about suicide, always take it seriously. It鈥檚 better to be overly cautious than stay silent when someone could be struggling.
Myth 2: Suicide only affects people with mental health conditions.
Fact: Mental health conditions can increase a person鈥檚 risk for suicide, especially if they aren鈥檛 getting support. But suicide doesn鈥檛 only affect people with a diagnosis. In fact, studies show that about don鈥檛 have a diagnosed mental health condition.
Suicidal thoughts can happen when someone is going through a really hard time 鈥 like a big loss, serious stress, or a major life change. These thoughts are often short-term and linked to what鈥檚 going on in someone鈥檚 life. For people who do have mental health conditions, treatment can help reduce the risk by helping them manage symptoms and find support.
Myth 3: Someone who is suicidal is determined to die.
Fact: Typically, people don鈥檛 die by suicide because they don鈥檛 want to live. Rather, people die by suicide because they want to end their suffering. If you don鈥檛 have firsthand experience with this type of pain, it might be tough to imagine being in a position where suicide feels like the only choice. But suicidal thoughts are often about seeking relief 鈥 not about giving up on life. With the right support, many people who have felt this way go on to heal and find hope again.
Myth 4: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.
Fact: There are usually verbal or behavioral indicators that someone is at risk for suicide. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important to learn and understand .
Don鈥檛 hesitate to reach out to support someone who starts:
- Giving away their belongings
- Talking about wanting to die
- Talking about not wanting to be a burden to others
- Seeming sad, anxious, irritated, or angry
- Withdrawing from friends and loved ones
- Engaging in risky behavior (like reckless driving or unhealthy substance use)
- Creating a plan to end their life
Myth 5: If someone really wants to die by suicide, there's nothing you can do to stop them.
Fact: Most suicidal crises are temporary. With the right support, people can get through a crisis. This is because, even in a person鈥檚 darkest moments, they . In other words, there might be part of them that wants to live, despite the difficulties they鈥檙e facing. Staying with that person, contacting crisis care, and encouraging them to seek ongoing support can help keep them safe.
Myth 6: Asking directly about suicide is harmful or inappropriate.
Fact: Many people worry that bringing up the subject of suicide might 鈥減ut ideas in someone鈥檚 head鈥 or increase the person鈥檚 risk. But this isn鈥檛 the case. Asking can provide relief and open pathways to help.
Here are some examples of things you can say:
- 鈥淚鈥檝e noticed you haven鈥檛 been leaving the house lately and are sleeping a lot. I鈥檝e also noticed you鈥檝e been giving away some of your belongings. Have you had thoughts about suicide?鈥
- 鈥淚t seems like your mood has been really up and down, and I know you鈥檝e been taking some risks lately. Trust me, I鈥檝e been there, and I just want you to be safe. Are you thinking about suicide?鈥
If the person says 鈥測es,鈥 try to remain calm, validate their feelings, and ask if it鈥檚 OK to connect them with resources like the ones listed below. If they鈥檙e , try to keep the door open for another conversation. Ask them if it鈥檚 OK if you check in later, and be sure to follow up.
Where to turn for help:
- Emergency services: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide urgent help to keep you safe.
- Crisis intervention: If you need immediate support, contact the by dialing or texting 988 from any phone. The counselors there will provide confidential support and resources to help keep you or someone else safe.
- Therapy: A therapist can help a person identify what鈥檚 causing their suicidal thoughts and learn healthy ways to cope with their challenges. They can also provide a safe, judgement-free space to process their experiences and connect them with other supports (as needed).
- Support groups: Talking to other people who understand what it鈥檚 like to experience mental health challenges can be very healing. To find a support group, visit the or contact your local mental health center.
Suicide is a common occurrence in the United States. However, it鈥檚 still widely misunderstood. For example, some people mistakenly believe that asking someone about suicide will increase their risk. But the truth is, talking about suicide and raising awareness can save a life. Knowing the facts about suicide can help you spot the signs, empower you to intervene, and allow you to connect someone with resources to keep them safe.
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