10 Common Myths Surrounding Suicide

Suicide rates are rising worldwide. Countries like Europe, Australia, China, and the United States are all seeing an increase in suicide cases. This issue is becoming more prevalent, and it may soon impact your life directly—if it hasn't already.

If you are reading this because you are considering suicide or someone close to you is, we strongly encourage you to visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org, dial the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) in the US, or talk to a mental health professional or someone you trust.

10. Suicide is Mostly an Issue for Teenagers

The Myth: Suicide is often considered a problem mainly among teenagers in America, as they are perceived as impulsive and irrational. This leads many to assume that young people are the most likely to end their own lives. This misconception has also been used to downplay suicide, viewing it as a problem of people with limited life experience or perspective.

The Truth: In fact, elderly individuals account for the highest number of suicides in the United States. Among white males over the age of 65, the suicide rate stands at 31.1 per 100,000, more than double the national average. One reason for this is that older individuals often use far more lethal methods than younger people, who tend to leave room for rescue. The elderly, however, usually do not. This isn't just a problem in the US—suicide rates among the elderly in China have sharply increased in recent years.

9. You Should Just Tough It Out When Feeling Suicidal

The Myth: As the suicide rate rises, some claim that the so-called “New Age” values have created a generation of young people who are overly protected and ill-prepared for hardship. The argument suggests that teenagers, lacking the experience to handle difficulties, are more prone to suicidal thoughts. According to this view, suicide is seen as something that could simply be endured or overcome.

The Truth: Surprisingly, suicide rates are actually higher in rural areas where traditional values are more common. For instance, in Wyoming, one of the most rural and conservative states in America, the suicide rate is three times the national average. In rural China, it is five times higher than in urban centers, especially among women. It appears that an environment where individuals feel free to talk about suicidal thoughts may actually help prevent suicides.

8. Suicide Rates Are Lower in Africa Compared to the Rest of the World

The Myth: Another harmful misconception suggests that suicide rates are lower in developing African countries than in wealthier, developed nations. The belief is that if individuals in some of the world’s poorest countries are able to keep going, those born into comfort and privilege should be able to as well.

The Truth: The evidence suggests that suicide is not necessarily rarer in Africa, but rather less frequently reported. One significant reason is that in many African countries, suicide is considered a greater taboo than in Western cultures, making it less likely to be disclosed. Additionally, the social and economic conditions in some African countries contradict the notion of a low suicide rate. For example, alcoholism is becoming a growing issue in many African nations, and, as noted earlier, large rural populations are often linked to higher suicide rates. The World Health Organization has also identified the AIDS epidemic as a key factor influencing suicide rates in the region.

7. Suicide Is A Matter For The Individual Alone

The Myth: Because many people struggle to understand or relate to those contemplating suicide, they may develop a sense of emotional detachment, or even disdain, toward them. Some argue that a person’s decision to end their life is their own concern. If someone is perceived as so selfish to take their own life, perhaps society would be better off without them in the long term.

The Truth: Anyone who has been close to someone who has attempted or completed suicide understands the immense heartbreak that follows. We would give anything to have that person back, to be able to ask what we could have done differently, or help them find another solution. Sometimes, a suicide can bring people together, but in other cases, it can drive them apart. In any case, the idea that the individual’s decision only affects them is a complete misconception.

Beyond the personal ramifications, there is a measurable cost that even those not emotionally invested in the issue of suicide can recognize.

From an economic standpoint, suicide, ranked as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., incurs an enormous financial cost. These expenses come from lost productivity, medical care, police investigations, counseling for affected family and friends, and more. On average, each suicide costs $1,061,170, amounting to approximately $38 billion in 2010 alone. To give some context, in 2012 the New York Times reported that the U.S. government spent $25 billion annually on the War on Drugs. While these numbers vary by country, the underlying message remains consistent. For example, in New Zealand, the Ministry of Health estimated that the 460 suicides and 5,095 suicide attempts in 2005 cost the country over a billion U.S. dollars, or about $2,508,373 per person lost.

6. Suicides Rise During the Holiday Season

The Myth: An incidental character in a Christmas episode of the popular animated series Futurama jokes, "The suicide booth is that way, sir. Course, this time of year, there’s a line." The idea seems plausible—after all, the contrast between people’s personal struggles and the festive cheer surrounding them could highlight the emotional pain. Ironically, a time meant to bring happiness is sometimes the one that makes people feel hopeless instead.

The Truth: However, studies show that suicide rates in the United States are actually lower during the holiday season, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The highest-risk months tend to be in April and May, which coincides with the end of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a significant contributing factor to suicide.

Despite widespread efforts to dispel the holiday suicide myth, a 2010 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center revealed that 50 percent of articles still pushed this false narrative. By 2012, the number had risen to 76 percent. Clearly, a good story tends to prevail over inconvenient truths.

5. People Who Talk About Suicide Are More Likely To Follow Through

The Misunderstanding: It’s often assumed that someone who is vocal about being suicidal is more likely to follow through. The reasoning seems logical—they’ve figured out the best way to end their life and won’t ask for help. Their determination makes them the most dangerous cases.

The Truth: While those who dwell on suicide tend to attempt it more often, those who act impulsively have a much higher success rate. Surprisingly, methods that require little planning are often the deadliest. These include actions like jumping from heights or self-inflicted gunshot wounds. This is why barriers on bridges and other suicide hotspots are highly effective in reducing suicide rates.

Incredibly, barriers can still be effective even if there’s another spot nearby to jump from. A small obstacle can be enough to stop someone from acting on a spur-of-the-moment decision. In Britain, for example, suicide rates dramatically dropped after the elimination of carbon monoxide from stoves, which previously made it easy to impulsively take one’s life by inhaling the gas.

On a somewhat controversial note, this is one reason why keeping a gun at home can be extremely dangerous. Having a gun in the house makes the likelihood of a successful suicide attempt 17 times higher. A brief moment of despair can be enough to lead to a fatal decision, even for an otherwise healthy person.

4. Every Suicide Victim Leaves a Note Behind

The Misconception: Suicide notes have become a staple in pop culture. Compilations of them have been published, and comedy routines often treat them as a standard part of suicide. With the rise of technology, some individuals have even resorted to posting video suicide notes online.

The Truth: Although suicide notes aren’t uncommon, the majority of people who take their own lives don’t leave behind a message. A report by Dr. Antoon Leenaars of the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention found that suicide notes are found only 12-30% of the time. People with mental health struggles are less likely to leave a note, while those facing a personal conflict are more inclined to write one. Interestingly, these figures have remained steady even as the suicide rate fluctuates and communication technology advances.

3. Nearly Every Suicide Survivor Regrets Their Attempt

The Misconception: Since the fear of death is a natural instinct, it's commonly assumed that anyone directly faced with death would recoil and never return to the idea again. The assumption is that those who attempt suicide must be unaware of the full consequences of their actions. Surely, surviving the act would bring pain and awaken a new perspective, prompting them to abandon such thoughts.

The Reality: A significant portion of those who attempt suicide, around one-third, will try again within a year. This is a period when individuals are closely monitored following their first attempt. Moreover, approximately 80 percent of those who die by suicide have previously attempted it. Despite the fear surrounding death, it doesn't seem to deter a substantial number of people from repeating the act.

2. Suicide Through Self-Poisoning Is Not Always Effective

The Misconception: The majority of people who attempt suicide do so by overdosing on drugs. Prescription medications are involved in 79 percent of these suicides, with over-the-counter drugs used in 10 percent of cases. The appeal is obvious—compared to other, more violent methods, overdosing seems like a relatively painless, simple, and effective option.

The Reality: The mortality rate for those who attempt suicide through poisoning is around 2 percent. Many suicide attempts involve sleeping pills, which are often mistakenly believed to be lethal due to outdated ideas about barbiturates. The reality is that most overdoses don’t result in death but may lead to serious, long-lasting health issues instead.

1. Suicidal People Should Have Sought Medical Help

The Misconception: Instead of attempting to end their lives, suicidal individuals should have taken the responsibility to find help. The belief is that if they don't seek help, others won't be able to recognize their struggles. There's also the assumption that someone who acts on suicidal feelings must be mentally unstable—after all, it’s estimated that 75 percent of those who attempt suicide are suffering from significant mental disorders.

The Reality: Most individuals who are suicidal do indeed seek help. According to a major suicide awareness organization, more than half of people who die by suicide reached out for support within the month prior to their deaths. However, the issue may lie in the fact that many of these individuals didn’t receive appropriate treatment. While 83 percent of American suicide victims had received some form of medical care in the year before their death, only 15 percent were hospitalized.