September 24, 2020|Mental Health
We Separate Fact From Fiction And Break Down Sources of Stigma
There are few topics of discussion more difficult to address than suicide. It’s a subject that is attached to intense emotions, deep-rooted taboos, and unmentionable shame for many of us. But what if I told you these uncomfortable responses to the topic are precisely why we should be talking about suicide?
Here’s the thing— when we don’t talk about things that make us uncomfortable, stigma grows and shame takes a stronger hold. It also makes it more difficult for the average person to gather credible, reliable information about suicide.
Suicide stigma and misinformation have a major impact on those struggling with mental health issues, and can contribute to a person’s decision to take their own life.
By having conversations and learning the facts about suicide, we can be a better support system to others and also care for and protect ourselves during times of crisis.
The Myths (And Facts) About Suicide
MYTH: People Who End Their Life Are Selfish and Inconsiderate
FACT: People Who End Their Life Are Suffering
This is absolutely untrue. People do not take their life because they don’t want to live. They do it because they truly feel there is no other way to end their suffering. It isn’t that they don’t value your presence in their life and it isn’t a reflection of “only caring about themselves”. They are sick. They are struggling with a real, devastating illness. And furthermore, many who are experiencing suicidal ideation actually think they are being considerate by taking their life because they believe they will no longer be a burden or that their friends and family will be happier without them. These types of inaccurate thoughts are symptoms of depression and should be treated like any other medical condition.
MYTH: Discussing Suicide With Someone Who Is Depressed Will Just Make It Worse
FACT: Discussing Suicide With Someone Who Is Depressed Will Make Them Feel Heard and Valued
This is one of the most prevalent suicide myths and one that contributes to the silence of those who are struggling. It is not dangerous to speak to someone who is exhibiting the warning signs of suicide. In fact, it’s potentially life-saving. Most mental health professionals involve family members and loved ones in the treatment process because evidence shows healthy connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.
MYTH: Being Suicidal is Completely Random and Impossible to Predict
FACT: There Are Several Known Risk Factors for Suicide
This is another of the myths about suicide that is often mistaken for truth. There are real, tangible risk factors that make a person more likely to experience a mental health crisis and, as a result, more likely to consider suicide.
Some of the known risk factors include:
- Family history of suicide
- Childhood trauma
- Genetic predisposition to mental illness
- Access to harmful means
- Previous suicide attempts
- Being widowed or divorced
- Financial stress or unemployment
- Male gender
- Indigenous culture
- Prolonged Bullying
- Substance abuse
- Physical illness or disability
MYTH: People With Good Jobs and Happy Relationships Don’t Attempt Suicide
FACT: Depression and Hopelessness Don’t Discriminate
The friends and family members of those who die by suicide often say the individual “seemed to have it all” or “had so much going for them”. The thing is, there are so many factors that play a role in suicide. Biological, economical, psychological, and spiritual factors are just a few that must be analyzed. It’s impossible to know how to prevent suicide if we do not take into account the entire spectrum of reasons why a person might feel lonely, helpless, or defeated. There is no such thing as being immune to suicide. In order for suicide prevention to be effective, we must remember this and never assume that those we care about are happy and healthy just because they appear to have a “good life”.
Together, We Can Reduce Stigma and Spread the Truth About Suicide
Those who believe myths about suicide often have no idea that the information they’ve been given is incorrect. Or, in other cases, we simply don’t stop to question what we’ve been told. This is where we each have a role to play.
When you hear someone sharing information that doesn’t align with the suicide facts we’ve shared here today, speak up and shed some light.
Below are a few examples of statements you can make when addressing suicide stigma or misinformation:
- “Depression is an illness, not a character defect. Those who are considering suicide are sick, not selfish, lazy, or weak.”
- “Please do not refer to people as crazy. They may be struggling with a legitimate mental health condition.”
- “You wouldn’t tell someone with diabetes to ‘just get over it’. People living with a mental health condition should not be treated any differently.”
- “People with mental illness are not dangerous or scary. In fact, people with mental illness are more likely to be the victim of violence than they are to inflict violence on others.”