Myths about suicidal ideation can contribute to stigma and prevent people from seeking help. While talking about suicide can feel taboo or intimidating, many worry that bringing it will worsen the situation or “plant” the idea in someone’s head. However, evidence suggests the opposite: avoiding these conversations does not prevent suicide, but having them can be life-saving.
Myth #1: Asking someone if they are suicidal will make them suicidal.
Fact: Studies examining whether asking about suicide increases suicidal thoughts have found no correlation between the two. In fact, a study conducted at Cambridge University found a reduction in suicidal ideation among participants after they were asked suicide-related questions. It is okay to be direct. Try saying, “I’m noticing some changes in you; are you thinking about suicide?” or “I’m worried about you; have you been thinking about suicide?” Using the word “suicide”will not plant the idea, but it may provide a safe space for someone to share their pain.
Myth #2: People who are suicidal are attention-seekers.
Fact: Expressions of suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously. Warning signs may include talking about wanting to die, expressing hopelessness, feeling trapped or like a burden, withdrawing from activities, increasing substance use, acting recklessly, or developing a suicide plan. If you or someone you know shows these signs, please contact the resources listed below.
Myth #3: If someone wants to die, there’s nothing we can do about it.
Fact: Suicidal ideation can fluctuate by the day or even the moment. Often, the immediate goal is simply to keep the person safe for the time being. Supporting someone through a crisis can provide the time and space needed for those feelings to change.
What to do if you are feeling suicidal: You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Focus on staying safe while you get help.
Tell someone. Reach out to a friend, family member, or the 988 lifeline. You can simply state, “I’m feeling suicidal and I shouldn’t be alone right now.”
Create distance from lethal means. Put barriers between yourself and anything you could hurt yourself. Ask a professional or a trusted friend to hold medications or firearms, or store them in a locked safe. Restricting access to lethal means is one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide.
Do not isolate. Be somewhere or with someone that makes you feel safe. Ask a loved one to stay with you. Make a safety plan. Identify your warning signs, coping skills, helpful distractions, and professional resources. Remind yourself of reasons to live, such as loved ones, pets, or future experiences you look forward to.
Get help. Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 or go to your local emergency room if you are in immediate danger or have already harmed yourself. What to do if someone else is feeling suicidal:
Notice. If someone seems different (withdrawing, expressing hopelessness, or acting recklessly), check in and offer a listening ear.
Ask. “I’ve been noticing you seem like you could be struggling. Are you thinking about suicide?” If they say yes, don’t panic.
Listen. Say something like “I’m glad you told me” or “you don’t have to face this alone”.
Stay with them. Keep the conversation going or stay with them until a a professional or another trusted person can help. If possible, help them remove dangerous items from their immediate environment. Seek emergency services if danger is imminent. Follow up and connect. Check in and let them know you’re thinking about them.
Invite them to FaceTime or play a game. Take them out for a walk or a coffee. Suicide prevention can be simple. It can be offering an empathetic ear or ensuring someone knows how to ask for help. Being willing to say, “I’m feeling suicidal,” or asking,
“Are you feeling suicidal?” could be a life-saving difference. Effective prevention includes clinical treatment, crisis services, and human connection. A study of adults receiving emergency care found that safety planning interventions combined with follow-up care were associated with 45% fewer suicidal behaviors over six months and doubled the odds of continued mental health treatment. Let’s reduce stigma associated with suicide by being comfortable enough to talk about When someone does feel suicidal, let our response be calm, compassionate, connected, and safe – not silent.
References:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/does-asking-about-suicide-and-related-behaviours-induce-suicidal-ideation-what-is-the-evidence/FCAEE9E5BC840D76CF10AEBECD921AC9
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30014862/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29998307/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2767408
