Suicide Myths You Should Know

The figures on suicide are alarming. Every year about 800,000 people kill themselves and many more try to do so. It is the second leading cause of death among the young population and it is estimated that, every 40 seconds, a person in the world commits suicide. In order to combat this serious public health problem that devastates entire families, we need information. Therefore, today we will dismantle some of the most frequent myths about suicide.

Even today this topic is still considered taboo and is surrounded by stigma. The concealment that occurs makes those who consider taking their own lives even more alone in the face of their terrible situation.

Furthermore, ignorance leads people to act counterproductively, despite their intention to help. So it is time to dismantle our misconceptions about suicide.

Some myths about suicide

Talking about suicide makes it more likely

Contrary to what many people think, talking to someone about their suicidal intentions does not increase their risk of committing such an action. On the contrary, it can help you take preventive measures.

Asking directly makes it easier for the other to share their internal experiences and a catharsis is generated that produces relief. By finding listening, the feeling of loneliness and isolation diminishes.

Therefore, if you suspect that one of your loved ones is in this circumstance, do not evade the subject.

Who is really going to commit suicide does not talk about it

This belief is totally false. It is not true that whoever talks about suicide does not really think about carrying it out, that he does so is not necessarily an instrumental measure to get our attention.

In reality, out of 10 people who commit suicide, eight speak of their intentions. Therefore, we must take communications of this kind seriously.

The suicidal person is clear that he wants to die

The truth is that most of them are undecided between living or dying. They often leave clues about their plans, placing the final decision on others based on whether they can save them.

Many of them leave letters or carry out other types of alarming behavior such as drawing up a will, selling their belongings or “saying goodbye” to their loved ones.

More myths about suicide

Whoever tries to commit suicide once, will repeat the attempt until they succeed

That’s not true. There are many who, after a frustrated attempt, wish to live. Suicidal ideation is not permanent.

When the person begins to improve, there is no longer risk

Paradoxically, a large part of suicides occur in the two months after “having hit bottom”, when it even seems that the person begins to improve.

This is so because at this moment the person finds himself with energy that he did not have before. That is why it is very important to stay alert rather than lower our guard.

All suicides are mentally ill

It is true that the relationship between certain psychiatric disorders and suicide is well established. But many other times suicide occurs impulsively after a moment of crisis.

When the person faces great financial and emotional problems, serious illnesses or loss of loved ones, they may feel incapable of coping with the situation.

There is an imbalance between the demand of the environment and personal coping resources. Faced with perceived disability, suicide seems the only way out. So let’s remove the stigma and realize that no one is totally risk-free.

Knowing the myths about suicide can save lives

Knowledge is power, and when it comes to such sensitive issues it can make a big difference. If suicide remains in the shadows, misinformation will continue. Let’s bring it up and learn how to tackle it.

Accusing the person of being a blackmailer or manipulator when talking about suicide will make the situation worse. We will achieve the same detrimental effect if we adopt a critical or moralizing attitude or if we minimize and downplay the individual’s motives for wanting to end his life.

On the contrary, asking directly will give a space for emotional expression. Validating her feelings and listening with interest will make her feel understood and accompanied. Remember that, on many occasions, the person does not want to die, he simply feels unable to find another way out. Let us accompany and, above all, seek professional help.