Today, society considers suicide like a prison sentence, a permanent situation that brands an individual. However, suicidal ideation is not that; it is a sign that an individual is suffering deeply and must seek treatment. Because of this misconception, various myths are surrounding suicide, that need to be debunked.
#1 Myth: Suicide only affects individuals mental health issues.
- Fact: Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness.
#2 Myth: If an individual is suicidal, they will always remain suicidal.
- Fact: 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.
#3 Myth: Most suicides happen without warning.
- Fact: Warning signs precede most suicides. That is why it is important to learn and understand the warnings signs associated with suicide.
#4 Myth: People who die by suicide take the easy way out.
- Fact: People who decide to suicide do so because they are suffering so deeply that they feel helpless and hopeless.
#5 Myth: Talking about suicide will encourage suicide.
- Fact: Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others.
#6 Myth: Someone who has their act together isn’t at risk of suicide.
- Fact: On the outside, someone can appear to have it all, but we don’t know what’s going on inside of someone.
#7 Myth: Most suicides happen around the winter holiday season.
- Fact: Suicides don’t peak during the winter holidays. Rather, they’re at their highest in the springtime.
#8 Myth: When someone recovers from hitting rock bottom, the risk of suicide reduces.
- Fact: Many times, people are at the highest risk of attempting suicide when they first get out of the hospital. It is important to have ongoing treatment and support.