“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”
Suicide is a opic that many people are uncomfortable talking about. Society has always had a morbid fascination with suicide. Though still considered taboo, it’s not something we like to talk about or think of often. In the event of suicide, it is difficult for friends and family members to comprehend why someone would want to take their own life, feeling blamed for the problems that preceded the suicide, feeling rejected by their loved one, and stigmatised by others. There are many myths around suicide which need to be addressed in order to curtail suicide rates. For example, suicide is not a selfish act- it’s an act of desperation and the person who commits suicide has made the decision that they cannot go on any longer.
Contrary to popular belief, people don’t commit suicide because they want attention or are seeking revenge against someone else. There is no one reason why people commit suicide – there can be a number of factors such as depression, mental illnesses like low self-esteem or bipolar disorder, substance abuse problems and financial difficulties.
People often feel uncomfortable talking about suicide. However, asking someone whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Specific examples of such questions include:
- Are you feeling sad or depressed?
- Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?
- Have you ever thought about hurting or killing yourself?
Rather than putting thoughts in that person’s head, these questions can provide assurance that somebody cares and will give him/her the chance to talk about problems.
Suicide is a real problem in society today, with suicide rates on the rise especially during this pandemic era. Hence, suicide prevention needs to be on everyone’s minds in order to save lives. Suicide myths can be dangerous because they prevent us from understanding suicide and how to prevent it. There’s not much more I can say other than suicide affects us all…
There are various myths around suicide which need to be smashed in order to help prevent suicide and manage any risks that may accompany it. Debunking the common myths associated with suicide can help society realise the importance of helping others seek treatment and show individuals the importance of addressing their mental health challenges. This blog post will discuss some of these common myths that we need to dispel to help prevent suicide from occurring so that nobody has to experience this pain again.
MYTH: Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts.
FACT: Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in encouraging a person with thoughts of suicide to live comes from talking about those feelings. A simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life can start the conversation. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.
MYTH: People who talk about suicide never attempt or die by suicide.
FACT: Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and it can be a late sign in the progression towards a suicide attempt. People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die. It’s important to always take someone seriously if they talk about feeling suicidal. Helping them get the support they need could save their life. “The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die – they do not want to live the life they have.”
MYTH: Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.
FACT: Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in encouraging a person with thoughts of suicide to live comes from talking about those feelings. A simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life can start the conversation. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.
MYTH: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.
FACT: Warning signs—verbally or behaviourally—precede most suicides. Therefore, it’s important to learn and understand the warnings signs associated with suicide. Many individuals who are suicidal may only show warning signs to those closest to them. These loved ones may not recognise what’s going on, which is how it may seem like the suicide was sudden or without warning.
MYTH: Once an individual is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal.
FACT: Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific. Studies have shown that approximately 54% of individuals who have died by suicide did not have a diagnosable mental health disorder. And for those with mental illness, the proper treatment can help to reduce symptoms. The act of suicide is often an attempt to control deep, painful emotions and thoughts an individual is experiencing. Once these thoughts dissipate, so will the suicidal ideation. While suicidal thoughts can return, they are not permanent. An individual with suicidal thoughts and attempts can live a long, successful life.
