With greater awareness and understanding, we can provide better support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts. With the insight of six professionals, we’re highlighting common misconceptions about suicide, and sharing the truth behind the taboo topic
Samaritans, the charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide, says that simply asking someone if they’re suicidal could protect them, yet it’s still something many of us don’t feel capable of doing. To make matters worse, a lack of conversation around suicide means that there is no counter-argument to debunk myths and false assumptions, meaning that not only are we failing to talk about suicide, but we are also lacking a true understanding of the concept as a whole. That’s why, we want to set the record straight about some common myths around suicide, and arm you with the knowledge that could save someone’s life.
Myth: Talking about suicide with someone will make them more suicidal.
If you’re worried about a friend’s mental health, it makes sense that you would avoid asking them if they are suicidal. Surely bringing up the subject could put dangerous ideas in their head? Well, according to a paper published by Psychological Medicine, asking someone about suicidal thoughts may in fact reduce, rather than increase, suicidal ideation.
Clinical psychologist Dr Aisha Tariq explains: “Talking about suicide does not increase the risk of someone acting on it. On the contrary, it opens pathways to support, reduces isolation, and can be life-saving. Dispelling this myth is crucial in fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to express their struggles and seek the help they need.”
Importantly, these conversations should be handled with care and sensitivity. “Using non-judgmental and compassionate language, and being a good listener, are crucial,” says Dr Tariq. “It’s also vital to involve professionals if the risk appears imminent.”
Myth: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.
While 50–60% of people do not disclose their suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts to other people, according to a 2023 study published in Clinical Psychology Review, those who do talk about suicide must be taken seriously. We all have our strange ways of coping with difficult situations, and branding a friend as a ‘drama queen’ to (unconsciously) avoid bearing witness to the extent of their illness is not unheard of. As a seemingly helpless bystander, you may not feel able to consciously acknowledge how much pain your friend is experiencing.
Counsellor Phoebe Clausen-Sternwald says that when someone talks about ending their own life, ultimately, they are seeking relief. “They are actually saying ‘I am in so much pain, I don’t think I can bear it anymore.’ They deeply believe that they don’t have any control over their life, and the only power or control they can exercise is through suicide.”
It takes courage to talk about thoughts of suicide. If someone opens up to you, listen and encourage them to seek help in a way that they are comfortable with, such as their GP, a therapist, or a helpline.
Myth: Restricting access to lethal means doesn’t work.
If someone has the intention to take their own life, do safety barriers on bridges and limited access to pain medications provide effective prevention? In short, yes. One Lancet article explains that when a lethal method is unavailable at the moment of potential action, suicide attempts might be delayed. The result is that, in some cases, suicidal impulses pass without fatal effects.
This opportunity to pause and reflect is something that counsellor Kate Haskell offers as a brief and powerful moment for those in crisis. “I often say to my clients who feel suicidal that, perhaps, it could be that they don’t actually want to die, but just don’t want to feel like ‘this’. Whatever ‘this’ is can be overwhelming at times, so dying feels like the easy option. That seems to resonate with so many, and brings a sense of calm to the turmoil.”
So, while limiting access to lethal means may not get to the root cause of suicidal thoughts, it is proven to have intervening effects.
Myth: Suicide always comes without warning.
It’s common for suicide loss survivors to feel a sense of responsibility for the death of their loved ones. While it’s true that some red flags may have gone unnoticed, there’s often a complex web of reasons why someone chooses to take their own life. Being aware of the subtle signs can prompt early intervention.
“Factors such as financial troubles, work or study stress, loneliness, physical or mental health issues, bereavement, redundancy, and relationship endings, make life challenging,” says counsellor Pia-Mari Powell.
Other signs include being easily upset, unable to concentrate, changes in sleep patterns, lack of enjoyment in usual hobbies, substance abuse, and social isolation. “If we notice any of these warning signs, we have the opportunity to take the first step. We can ask how things are, show that we care, and invite a conversation. We can offer a listening ear and a space to offload,” Pia-Mari adds.
We may not always be able to prevent suicide, but we can be aware of the key signs.
Myth: Therapists aren’t at risk of suicide.
Understandably, we can see those who provide mental health care as invincible. But the truth is that supporting others through a mental health crisis does not make you immune to thoughts of suicide, nor does it mean that therapists should be expected to ‘heal themselves’.
Therapist, coach, and mental health educator Camilla Fadel explains that healthcare professionals have an increased risk of suicide, with, “stressful jobs, access to means including medications, and decreased likelihood to reach out for help”, all acting as contributing factors.
Myth: Teenagers and students are most at risk.
According to the Office for National Statistics, since around 2010, males aged 45 to 64 years old have had the highest suicide rate. So, why do people assume that teenagers and students are more at risk?
“It may be because suicide remains the third leading cause of death for under 20s, after accidental injury and cancer,” explains counsellor Helen Hadden. “The media’s tendency to focus on these tragic cases often leads to a skewed perception of suicide prevalence among young people.”
It’s not to say that there aren’t real risks for teenagers and students when it comes to suicide. Mental health charity Papyrus reported that suicide is the leading cause of death for those under 35, but with around three-quarters of them boys or young men, there is a clear need for intervention support tailored to boys and men.
By arming ourselves with accurate information and leading open, compassionate conversations, we can all play a part in suicide prevention. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a mental health professional or a suicide prevention helpline.
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