8 common myths about suicide

Suicide is a growing public health crisis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it's the 11th-leading cause of death overall, with more than 48,000 suicides in 2021 in the U.S. It's the second-leading cause of death for people 10–14 and 25–34, and the third-leading cause of death for people 15–24.

Even though suicide isn't predictable, it can be preventable by addressing social, cultural and environmental risk factors. Myths and misconceptions about mental health shape people's beliefs and attitudes about suicide, which can be a significant barrier to seeking help for themselves and their loved ones.

Here are eight common myths about suicide:

Myth 1: Talking about suicide increases the chance a person will act on it.

Fact: Talking about suicide may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal ideation. It improves mental health-related outcomes and the likelihood that the person will seek treatment. Opening this conversation helps people find an alternative view of their existing circumstances. If someone is in crisis or depressed, asking if they are thinking about suicide can help, so don't hesitate to start the conversation.

Myth 2: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.

Fact: People who die from suicide have often told someone about not wanting to live anymore or that they don't see the future. It's always important to take it seriously when somebody talks about feeling suicidal.

It's important to be kind and sensitive and ask direct questions, including:

• "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
• "Are you thinking about suicide?"
• "Do you have access to weapons or other objects to harm yourself?"

Myth 3: Suicide can't be prevented.

Fact: Suicide is preventable but unpredictable. Most people who contemplate suicide often experience intense emotional pain, hopelessness and have a negative view of life or their future. Suicide is a product of genes, mental health illnesses and environmental risk factors. Interventions targeted to treat psychiatric and substance-use illnesses can save lives.

Myth 4: People who take their own lives are selfish, cowardly or weak.

Fact: People don't die of suicide by choice. Often, people who die of suicide experience significant emotional pain and find it difficult to consider different views or see a way out of their situation. Even though the reasons behind suicide are quite complex, suicide is commonly associated with psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use.

Myth 5: Teenagers and college students are the most at risk for suicide.

Fact: The suicide rate for this age group is below the national average. The age groups with the highest suicide rate in the U.S. are women 45–64 and men 75 and older. Although certain groups may be at higher risk, suicide is a problem among all ages and groups.

Myth 6: Barriers on bridges, safe firearm storage and other actions that reduce access to lethal methods of suicide don't work.

Fact: Limiting access to lethal means of harm, such as firearms, is one of the most straightforward strategies to decrease the chances of suicide. Many suicide attempts are a result of impulsive decisions. Separating someone from a lethal means could provide a person with some time to think before harming themselves.

Myth 7: Suicide always occurs without warning.

Fact: There are almost always warning signs before a suicide attempt.

Here are a few common signs:

• Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence.
• Changing regular routine, including eating or sleeping patterns.
• Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above.
• Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly.
• Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation.
• Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills.
• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this.
• Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next.
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.
• Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again.
• Talking about suicide — making statements such as, "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born."
• Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone.

Myth 8: Talk therapy and medications don't work.

Fact: Treatment can and does work. One of the best ways to prevent suicide is by getting treatment for mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar illness or substance abuse, and learning ways to cope with problems. Finding the best treatment can take some time, but the proper treatment can significantly reduce the risk of suicide.

If a friend or loved one talks or behaves in a way that makes you believe they might attempt suicide, don't try to handle the situation alone:

• Encourage the person to call a suicide hotline number.
  In the U.S., call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach a trained counselor. Call 988 and press "1" to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
• Get help from a trained professional as quickly as possible.
  The person may need to be hospitalized until the suicidal crisis has passed.

You're not responsible for preventing someone from taking their own life, but your intervention may help them see that other options are available to stay safe and get treatment.

Watch this video that debunks common myths about suicide.

Pravesh Sharma, M.D., is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and substance use researcher in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.