Suicide Myths
All suicidal people are depressed or mentally ill.
Thoughts of suicide can impact anyone, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis of a mental illness. While people living with a mental illness can be at an increased risk, it is not simple. People who have never experienced a diagnosable mental illness can also experience thoughts of suicide.
Suicide occurs without warning.
Most people thinking about suicide do show signs but they are often difficult to recognise or understand. We can all learn to better recognise these signs. This is not to blame loved ones of people who have died by suicide as despite best efforts of everyone around some people will sadly end their lives.
Asking about suicide 'plants' the idea in someone's head.
This myth has been disproved by robust research. One of the only ways to know if someone is thinking about suicide is to ask them. This often gives the person permission to share.
Suicidal people clearly want to die.
People who are thinking about suicide often report feeling trapped by mental pain. They want the pain to end, and they may feel that suicide is their only solution. Suicide is not about dying, it’s about ending pain
People who say they are going to take their own life are just attention seeking and shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Talking openly about suicide can help someone work through their thoughts and find a way to cope. People who say they want to end their lives should always be taken seriously. It may well be that they want attention but in the sense of calling out for help. Verbalising thoughts can help someone to work through them.
People who die by suicide are selfish.
People thinking about suicide experience intense and painful feelings. It may be hard for them to see any other way out. It can feel challenging to understand but some people believe they are a burden to their loved ones and that people would be better off without them. They need support not judgement.
A single factor causes suicide.
Suicide risk is a complex, it is a combination of identity, psychology, biology, life experiences, trauma, personal circumstances, past history and many more things. There is rarely a single reason someone will think about suicide.
Suicide cannot be prevented.
Suicide is never inevitable, it is preventable right up until the final moment. Often, feeling actively suicidal is temporary. Getting the right kind of support at the right time can save a life.
“Thinking about suicide is rare, it won’t impact me. ”
One in five people will think about suicide in their lifetime and one in twenty people at any given time.