Suicide Awareness Month: Three Myths About Suicide, Busted

 Written by Kelsey Someliana-Lauer, Therapy Practice Solutions Virtual Assistant

Suicide Awareness Month, also known as National Suicide Prevention Month, was created as a dedicated time in September to raise awareness about suicide, its risk factors, and the importance of mental health support and prevention efforts. It was established through the collaborative efforts of mental health organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals who recognized the urgent need to address the growing concern of suicide. Through grassroots initiatives and the dedication of those affected by suicide, Suicide Awareness Month has become a crucial annual event in the ongoing fight to save lives and promote mental health well-being.

Although society has grown increasingly more comfortable talking about mental health concerns, suicide is still shrouded in stigma. Myths surrounding suicide persist due to various factors, including historical misconceptions, societal stigma, and limited understanding of mental health issues. Challenging these myths requires ongoing education and awareness efforts to foster a more compassionate and informed society that prioritizes mental health and suicide prevention.

In honor of September’s initiative to destigmitize suicide, the pros at Therapy Practice Solutions are here to help! Check out three myths about suicide, busted.

Myth 1: Talking about suicide makes people more suicidal.

One common myth surrounding suicide is the belief that discussing it openly may encourage suicidal thoughts or actions. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, open and empathetic conversations about suicide can provide individuals in crisis with an essential outlet to express their feelings and seek help. Remember that discussing suicide with care and compassion, and connecting individuals to appropriate resources, can be a lifeline, not a trigger.

In fact, research demonstrates the benefits of such conversations. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, individuals who spoke openly about their suicidal thoughts and feelings with a trusted person were more likely to seek help and receive life-saving interventions. These conversations create an opportunity to offer support, identify warning signs, and guide individuals toward professional help, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence surrounding suicide.

Myth 2: People who say they want to commit suicide are looking for attention.

The myth that individuals who discuss suicide are solely seeking attention is widespread but misinformed. In reality, openly expressing thoughts of suicide can serve as a critical indicator of emotional distress and a plea for help. Ignoring or dismissing these cries for assistance can have devastating consequences. It's essential to understand that individuals who verbalize their struggles, whether to friends, family, or professionals, often do so because they are in genuine need of support and intervention.

Research underscores the significance of taking these expressions seriously. A study published in the journal "Crisis" found that approximately 80% of individuals who died by suicide had communicated their intentions to others beforehand. This statistic underscores the importance of not dismissing such communications as mere attention-seeking, but rather as opportunities to provide life-saving assistance and connect individuals with the necessary mental health resources.

Myth 3: Suicide usually has no warning, so it’s not preventable.

Contrary to this myth, suicide is often preceded by warning signs and signals. These signs can include expressions of hopelessness, social withdrawal, changes in behavior, and increased substance use. Recognizing these warning signs and taking them seriously can help identify individuals at risk and provide them with the support they need. In fact, research shows that many people who die by suicide had exhibited observable signs of distress beforehand.

For example, a study published in the journal "JAMA Psychiatry" found that the majority of individuals who died by suicide had contact with healthcare professionals in the year before their death. This emphasizes the importance of mental health professionals, friends, family, and communities being vigilant about recognizing and responding to warning signs, ultimately playing a crucial role in suicide prevention.

We hope this post helped you learn why three myths about suicide simply aren’t true. At Therapy Practice Solutions, we know how important it is for you to use your time and energy in ensuring high quality care for your clients. If you’d like to offload tasks to make time for providing great care to your clients, reach out to us today. The pros at Therapy Practice Solutions would love to help you help others. We look forward to hearing from you!