Myths & Misconceptions of Suicide

Challenges to suicide literacy and suicide prevention are fueled by misconceptions that contribute to false beliefs and stigmatizing attitudes towards individuals at risk, as these behaviors: a) disincline their willingness to seek professional help, and b) counteract proper mental health education for the general population. Research has shown a reciprocal relationship that exists between stigma and suicide: suicide can cause stigmatizing behaviors, but stigma toward mental disorders also poses as a risk factor for suicidality. By a large extent, victims of suicide and attempted suicide are perceived as selfish, attention-seeking, weak, and lacking the ability to cope with stressors. In turn, stigma has other forms (i.e., racial discrimination, internalized shame, deprioritization of mental health care) that can exacerbate a person’s situation and cause extreme psychological distress, and consequently some come to regard suicide as a way out from the stigma. While there is still a lot of work to do before the narrative on suicide and mental health can be reformed, it is relevant nonetheless, to help build change in the societal perception of these issues for the future. 

To start, here are some common myths and misconceptions revolving around suicide: 

1. Talking about suicide is a bad idea and can be interpreted as encouragement.
   There is an ever-present stigma of shame and contempt associated with suicide, which can be so severe that those in need of help are left with no one to speak to about their dark contemplations. But being candid about suicide and the painful repercussions that result from it, keeps the conversation about the importance of an individual’s mental health open, and allows them the space to seek out the help they deserve. They can rethink and re-align their perspective by sharing their story with others. Keeping the line open can save lives.
   
   
2. Suicide only affects individuals with a mental condition.
   Suicidal behavior may be a reflection of a very deep unhappiness, but does not translate to having a mental disorder by default. There are individuals who live with mental illness but have no suicidal ideations, they don’t exhibit suicidal behavior or make plans. Vice versa, not all people who die by suicide necessarily have a mental disorder. Life stressors contributing to negative life experiences, complicated family dynamics, and social alienation among others, are associated with suicidality; these are circumstances that could happen to anybody, and are not symptoms of a mental disorder.
   
   
3. Most suicides happen suddenly without warning and suicidal individuals do not communicate their intent.
   This only emphasizes the importance of learning to be better communicators. There are always verbal or non-verbal warning signs. Although it may seem that death by suicide is a sudden and unplanned act, many suicidal individuals do convey suicidal thoughts and feelings, and show discernible changes in behavior. But not everybody can ‘read’ the signs, as people express themselves in different ways. This makes it jarring to those who could not recognize what was happening beforehand, so always check-in with each other.
   
   
4. People who threaten with suicide do it for attention, and those who die by suicide are selfish.
   Any mention of, comments, or eventual threats of suicide should be taken seriously and with a kernel of truth. Death by suicide is often because of individuals wanting their suffering to end, rather than not wanting to live. Suicidal individuals feel such emotional pain to such a heightened degree, it leaves them feeling both hopeless and helpless. ‘Selfish’ in this context has a negative connotation, as if being done for a pleasant reason. Suicidal individuals are not ‘selfish’. In severe episodes of suicidality, their focus becomes incredibly limited and prevents them from looking at the larger context of their life, their relationships, and connections to the external world.
   
   
5. An improved mood means the risk of suicide is gone; inversely, once an individual is suicidal, they remain suicidal.
   Despite an improvement in mood, a consecutive string of good events, calm and better days, even months after an attempt—what might have initially caused the individual to consider suicide may still be at play, and so the risk remains. Warning signs are not all alike for every person; it isn’t always self-harm, verbal threats, or unusual behavior. Suicidal individuals can act calm and relaxed, but may have made a silent and final decision all by themselves.

   However, active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific, and does not always escalate even if suicidal thoughts return. Many individuals who have struggled with suicidal ideation or a past attempt can absolutely live fulfilling lives beyond their past suffering. They can seek professional treatment and therapeutic intervention to help manage their personal struggles, which in time and with patience, can get better.
   
   

6. Someone who is suicidal is determined to die, and you cannot help them.
   There is an ambivalence in suicidal people, as they contemplate choosing living or dying. Having the right access to the right people is an incredible resource for suicidal individuals. But while this might not always be possible, having good friends and loved ones to lean on is enough. As the initial impulsivity passes, they can look back and realize that suicide wasn’t the right choice after all.

   It is always worth it to reach out and offer help to find the support needed. While people will do what they want to do, we can still try to lessen a person’s burden. It doesn’t have to be complicated; a simple and effective part of suicide safety is just being nearby, and being present for them. Suicide is ultimately preventable. Hence, there is nothing to lose by lending a helping hand and letting people know you will be there for them when they need you, and even when they don’t.
   
   

7. People who talk about suicide do not mean to do it.
   It is more likely than not when discussing suicide, that a person is looking for help. There is a significant amount of people who experience unpleasant emotions and discomfort, which can spiral into suicidal ideations if they believe they have no other option.

Moving Forward, What Can We Do To Help: Education and Accountability