09/10/2025
Here are eight common myths about su***de:
Myth 1: Talking about su***de increases the chance a person will act on it.
Fact: Talking about su***de may reduce, rather than increase, suicidal ideation. It improves mental health-related outcomes and the likelihood that the person will seek treatment. Opening this conversation helps people find an alternative view of their existing circumstances. If someone is in crisis or depressed, asking if they are thinking about su***de can help, so don't hesitate to start the conversation.
Myth 2: People who talk about su***de are just seeking attention.
Fact: People who die from su***de have often told someone about not wanting to live anymore or that they don't see the future. It's always important to take it seriously when somebody talks about feeling suicidal.
It's important to be kind and sensitive and ask direct questions, including:
"Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
"Are you thinking about su***de?"
"Do you have access to weapons or other objects to harm yourself?"
Myth 3: Su***de can't be prevented.
Fact: Su***de is preventable but unpredictable. Most people who contemplate su***de often experience intense emotional pain, hopelessness and have a negative view of life or their future. Su***de is a product of genes, mental health illnesses and environmental risk factors. Interventions targeted to treat psychiatric and substance-use illnesses can save lives.
Myth 4: People who take their own lives are selfish, cowardly or weak.
Fact: People don't die of su***de by choice. Often, people who die of su***de experience significant emotional pain and find it difficult to consider different views or see a way out of their situation. Even though the reasons behind su***de are quite complex, su***de is commonly associated with psychiatric illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use.
Myth 5: Teenagers and college students are the most at risk for su***de.
Fact: The su***de rate for this age group is below the national average. The age groups with the highest su***de rate in the U.S. are women 45–64 and men 75 and older. Although certain groups may be at higher risk, su***de is a problem among all ages and groups.
Myth 6: Barriers on bridges, safe firearm storage and other actions that reduce access to lethal methods of su***de don't work.
Fact: Limiting access to lethal means of harm, such as fi****ms, is one of the most straightforward strategies to decrease the chances of su***de. Many su***de attempts are a result of impulsive decisions. Separating someone from a lethal means could provide a person with some time to think before harming themselves.
Myth 7: Su***de always occurs without warning.
Fact: There are almost always warning signs before a su***de attempt.
