7 Myths surrounding suicide

Discussions around suicidal behavior remain difficult, therefore contributing to silence, misunderstanding and emotional distress within communities. Moreover, stigma and fear of judgement discourage people from opening up, consequently limiting support and early intervention opportunities. Promoting awareness and compassionate conversations is essential, thus encouraging individuals to seek help and fostering a supportive society.

MYTH 1: Stigma Surrounding Suicidal Behavior Discourages Open Conversations

Suicide remains a taboo subject, causing many people to fear or avoid discussing it openly with others. However, when individuals speak openly, they often help others feel heard, understood and less alone during distressing moments. Moreover, open conversations create a sense of connection, allowing individuals to recognise support options they may not have considered before. Additionally, this connection can increase the time available to reflect, helping individuals reconsider decisions and reduce impulsive harmful actions. Consequently, individuals may experience reduced isolation, as they feel supported, validated and more comfortable sharing their emotional struggles. Open dialogue decreases the likelihood of suicide by fostering hope, understanding and meaningful human connection during vulnerable moments.

MYTH 2: Stigma Surrounding Suicidal Behavior Oversimplifies Its Causes

However, anyone can experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, regardless of mental health background, therefore highlighting the importance of awareness, compassion and early supportive intervention. Moreover, although some individuals with mental disorders may face increased risk, not all who experience suicidal behavior have one, consequently challenging common assumptions. Ultimately, recognizing the complex range of emotional, social and psychological factors involved is essential, thus supporting more effective, understanding and inclusive prevention efforts.

MYTH 3: Sudden Suicides Often Show No Clear Warning Signs

You see, there are several warning signs that may appear before someone attempts to take their own life or expresses distress. Moreover, individuals may show noticeable changes in behavior, mood or outlook, including withdrawing from social interactions with close friends or family. Additionally, people might develop a preoccupation with death, alongside expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or emotional pain that feels overwhelming. Consequently, some individuals may give away valued possessions or experience sudden changes in sleeping and eating patterns, signaling potential risk.

MYTH 4: Expressing Suicidal Thoughts Is Not Just Seeking Attention

Do not dismiss suicide as attention-seeking behavior, as this can invalidate someone’s distress and discourage them from seeking meaningful support and understanding. Moreover, recognize these expressions as potential cries for help, reflecting deep emotional pain that the individual may struggle to communicate clearly to others. Additionally, people often use such statements to express overwhelming feelings they cannot otherwise articulate, making it essential to respond with patience, care and genuine understanding. Furthermore, taking these signs seriously demonstrates empathy, helping the person feel heard, supported and less isolated during particularly vulnerable and emotionally distressing moments. The care and attention you provide in that moment may significantly reduce risk, encourage help seeking and potentially help save a life.

MYTH 5: Suicide is a medical problem and therefore only doctors and professionals can help

However, suicide is not only an individual concern, as it reflects broader community challenges that require collective awareness, responsibility and compassionate support from everyone. Moreover, while professionals are trained to provide specialized care, communities can create safe environments that encourage openness, understanding and meaningful emotional support among individuals. By looking out for one another and offering space to talk, people can help reduce isolation and contribute to preventing suicide within society.

MYTH 6: Suicide is always an impulsive behavior

Although this may be true for some, many individuals experience prolonged periods of deep dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Often, these feelings are accompanied by ongoing, ambivalent thoughts about life, death, and their personal value. In many cases, people struggling with suicidal ideation spend time thinking about the act before making a decision. Additionally, they may go as far as planning when and how they might carry it out. This process is usually internal, making it difficult for others to notice or intervene in time. Ultimately, understanding this pattern highlights the importance of early support, open dialogue, and proactive mental health care.

MYTH 7: Once suicidal, always suicidal

While past suicide attempts may increase risk, each situation requires careful, individual evaluation with sensitivity, recognizing that circumstances and personal experiences differ significantly. Moreover, although risk can heighten temporarily, it is often linked to specific challenges, therefore improving as situations change and appropriate support becomes available. Ultimately, many individuals move beyond suicidal thoughts over time, thus going on to build meaningful lives as resilience develops and support systems strengthen.

Ask Someone You Suspect Is Considering Suicide

Firstly, if someone expresses suicidal thoughts, ask directly about their feelings, intentions and whether they have made specific plans for harm. Moreover, listen attentively and encourage them to share openly, ensuring you create a safe, calm and non-judgmental environment for honest conversation. Additionally, assess how immediate the risk may be by understanding their situation, so you can respond appropriately and prioritize their safety at all times. Furthermore, work together to create a practical safety plan, including regular check-ins, identifying support contacts and setting short term goals for stability. Guide them towards seeking professional help, while continuing to offer consistent emotional support, reassurance and presence throughout their experience.

Final Thoughts on Stigma Surrounding Suicidal Behavior

To close off, in crisis situations, contacting emergency services promptly is essential, while also seeking support to manage emotional overwhelm effectively. Moreover, maintaining your wellbeing helps you stay present, thus supporting others in a more balanced and sustainable way. Ultimately, recognizing your limits and asking for help builds resilience, therefore allowing you to offer meaningful support while protecting your mental health.

Written by Petra Borg

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.

Petra Borg is a Trainee Gestalt Psychotherapist currently reading for a Masters in Gestalt Psychotherapy from the Gestalt Therapy Institute Malta (GPTIM) and working at Willingness as a Trainee Psychotherapist. She has experience as a Triage Officer and has also worked closely with Willingness over several years, coordinating the international internship programme and providing support over diverse events and initiatives. 

References

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Preventing suicide: A global imperative – Myths. https://www.who.int/mental_health/suicide-prevention/myths.pdf

Nevda Division of Public and Behavioural Health Office of Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). The Myths and Facts of Youth Suicide. https://Suicideprevention.nv.gov/Youth/Myths/