Beyond the Myths: Understanding Suicide and Saving Lives
- Letecia Griffin
- 15 hours ago
- 6 min read
#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicideMyths #FactsVsMyths #ReduceTheStigma #StartTheConversation #BeTheDifference
DISCLAIMER: This blog article contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, text at 741741, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
Last week, we discussed together the sensitive topic of suicide and emphasized the importance of open dialogue and responsible reporting. Our article last week acknowledged that discussing suicide is often avoided but also highlighted the rising suicide rates in the United States and globally, stressing the need for awareness and understanding of this public health issue. We explored the power of language, that certain terminology can be stigmatizing and harmful. We updated our lexicon learning that we should avoid phrases like "committed suicide" and instead use "died by suicide" to remove the implication of wrongdoing. We learned to discard phrases such as "successful suicide" or "failed attempt at suicide" as we shouldn't be viewing suicide in terms of success or failure. Hopefully, last week's article has you on the path to understanding suicide more. This week we are going to delve a little further and hopefully debunk several myths and misconceptions surrounding suicide that can perpetuate stigma, hinder prevention efforts, and discourage those in need from seeking help.
Myth 1: Bringing It Up Plants the Idea
Talking about death or grief is hard. It often feels awkward, and we worry we’ll say the wrong thing. Add the taboos and stigma around suicide, and the idea of starting that conversation can feel overwhelming. Parents, teachers, clergy, siblings, and other loved ones commonly feel unqualified or afraid that mentioning suicide might somehow put the thought into someone’s head.
FACT: Asking about suicide in a caring, straightforward way actually helps. Clear, compassionate questions create space for someone to share how they’re really feeling. Do NOT dance around it; try asking directly: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Do you have access to weapons or other means to harm yourself?” |
Myth 2: They Just Want Attention
This one always makes me sad to hear, and I can understand why people might feel that way. Suicide is an uncomfortable topic for everyone, both for the person saying it and for those who hear it. When someone mentions suicidal thoughts and nothing seems to follow, and then they say it again (perhaps two, three, ten, or more times) it’s easy for others to assume they’re only seeking attention. That assumption is one of the most damaging myths about suicide.
FACT: Even if someone’s words have been repeated, dismissing them as “attention-seeking” is risky. Many people who talk about suicide are in deep emotional pain and need support. Others may be wavering between action and fear, using those moments to muster strength while still terrified of dying. DO take any mention of suicide seriously and offer help, even if it’s the 50th time. You could save a life. |
Myth 3: Suicide Only Affects People Who Are Depressed Or Mentally Ill
This was one of the toughest lessons I faced during my studies in counseling and psychology. I once believed that suicide only happened to people with depression or another mental illness. While depression is certainly a major risk factor, not everyone who thinks about suicide has depression. Conditions like bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or substance use can also increase risk, but suicide is not limited to those with a mental health diagnosis.
FACT: Having a mental illness does not automatically mean someone will struggle with suicidal thoughts. A person can live with depression and never consider suicide. Likewise, not everyone who dies by suicide has a mental illness. Life challenges such as relationship struggles, legal or financial issues, losing a loved one, serious health diagnoses, certain medications, trauma, abuse, or rejection can all contribute to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Suicide is complex and cannot be reduced to one single cause. |
Myth 4: They Are Selfish, Cowards, & Took The Easy Way Out
Have you ever made a hasty decision? One you’d likely change if you’d had more time or a clearer head? If not, you’re a rare human specimen I’d love to study. Most of us have made one or many choices in the heat of the moment that we later struggle to explain. Often there’s no simple reason; complex, overlapping factors are at play. Calling people who attempt or die by suicide “selfish” oversimplifies a deeply complicated reality. Suicide usually stems from intense emotional pain and mental anguish that can cloud judgment. Many people thinking about suicide aren’t making a rational, deliberate choice; they’re overwhelmed, desperate for the pain to stop, and feeling hopeless. They may even believe, because of that distorted thinking, that their loved ones would be better off without them.
FACT: People rarely die by suicide because they want to end life itself; they want an end to unbearable suffering. In crisis, individuals can feel powerless and hopeless, and their thinking can convince them that staying alive only harms those they love. |
Myth 5: There Was No Warning
Suicide does not discriminate. It affects people of every age, gender, race, and background. It’s an issue that can touch anyone, regardless of status or circumstance. Think of the well-known figures we’ve lost. An award-winning actor and comedian (Robin Williams). A dancer who radiated joy (Stephen Twitch Boss). A renowned chef, author, and travel documentarian (Anthony Bourdain). A highly successful fashion designer (Kate Spade). Former child star and teen heartthrob (Aaron Carter). From the outside, their deaths appeared sudden and without warning. Even to those closest to them, it may have seemed unimaginable. Yet, many suicide attempt survivors later express relief that they did not succeed. Their stories remind us that with timely support (through therapy, crisis lines, and loved ones willing to listen) someone can be pulled back from the edge. But to offer that support, we need to recognize the signs and be willing to ask direct, sometimes uncomfortable questions: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” “Are you thinking about suicide?” “Do you have access to means of harming yourself?”
FACT: There’s no way to predict suicide with certainty, but most people do show warning signs, verbally or through behavior, before an attempt. Often, these signs are most visible to those closest to them, who may not realize their significance until it’s too late. Learning to recognize these signals and asking the hard questions could save a life. |
Think of a myth I might have missed? Please share it in the comments below. Also looking for everyone who reaches this article to please, look up your LOCAL crisis number and leave it in the comments below.
In 2023, suicide claimed 49,316 lives in the United States. That’s roughly one life lost every 11 minutes. To put that in perspective, by the time you’ve finished reading this article and the article from last week, another person will have died by suicide. Myths and misconceptions only make this crisis harder to address. That’s why it’s so important to challenge false beliefs, foster compassion, and keep the conversation open. When we acknowledge the complexity of suicide, we become better equipped to support those at risk and to work together toward prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out right away to a mental health professional or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. And as always, please remember. Wherever you are on this wellness journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Until next time. Happy reading.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” ~Victor Hugo
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