5 Myths about Suicide
Suicide is a sensitive subject, often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. These preconceived notions can prevent people in distress from seeking help and make it difficult for those around them to intervene. Let's debunk 5 common myths about suicide to better understand this complex issue.
To remember
👉 Suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously, even if they seem exaggerated or manipulative.
👉 Suicide is never a choice, but rather a cry from the heart of a person who is deeply suffering and sees no way out.
Talking to my friend about suicide could make them do it.
Hearing about suicidal thoughts doesn't plant the idea in someone's head! If you share your concerns about your friend's suicidal tendencies, you're opening the door for them to express their suffering. Your friend will feel accepted for who they are and will finally be released from their isolation. However, just because your friend talks about it doesn’t mean it’s not serious, or that it’s resolved.
Having suicidal thoughts means wanting to die.
Someone who is suicidal doesn't actually want to stop living: they want to stop suffering, and they feel like they've tried everything to get better, without success. Suicide then seems like the only option to stop hurting. Your friend doesn’t want to die, they just don’t want to live like this anymore… It’s easier to help when you understand that difference.
It's just to get attention.
Suicide is complex. So, you never really know what's behind a confession. Some people talk about it easily, others are more discreet, but all suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. If you think someone is just saying it for attention, take them seriously anyway. Resorting to manipulation is also a sign of distress: your friend needs help.
Suicide is a choice.
No one commits suicide by choice. On the contrary, suicidal thoughts are a reaction to the perception of a lack of choice. The suicidal person perceives their life as unbearable, has reached their limit of tolerance for suffering and sees no other way to stop the pain.
Suicide is a solution.
The person experiencing suicidal thoughts has tried every strategy they know to reduce their suffering, but without success. They may then experience feelings of hopelessness and despair, which lead them to think about suicide. They become "blinded" by their difficulties. They feel like they have no solutions left to ease their suffering, which has become unbearable.
By reaching out for help, the suicidal person will be able to see their difficulties from a different angle and identify other solutions available to them.