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Myths and facts around suicide

There are many myths around suicide, and these can often be misleading. Here are some myths and facts created by the Samaritans to help create a better understanding of suicide.

Table of myths versus facts
Myth Fact
You can’t ask someone if they’re suicidal Evidence shows asking someone if they’re suicidal could protect them. Asking someone if they’re having suicidal thoughts can give them permission to tell you how they feel and let them know they are not a burden.
You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide

1 in 5 people have thought about suicide at some time in their life. And not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time they die.

However, many people who die by suicide have struggled with their mental health, typically to a serious degree. This may or may not be known before the person's death.

Talking about suicide is a bad idea as it may give someone the idea to try it

Suicide can be a taboo topic. Often, people who are feeling suicidal don’t want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don’t discuss it.

But, by asking someone directly about suicide, you give them permission to tell you how they feel. People who are struggling or have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing.

Once someone starts talking, they’ve got a better chance of discovering options that aren't suicide.

Most suicides happen in the winter months

Suicide is complex, and it's not just related to the seasons and the climate being hotter or colder, and having more or less light. In general, suicide is more common in the spring, and there's a noticeable peak in risk on New Year's Day.

People who say they are going to take their own life are just attention seeking and shouldn’t be taken seriously

Talking openly about suicide to a loved one, colleague, professional or a Samaritan can help someone work through their thoughts and help them find a way to cope. People who say they want to end their lives should always be taken seriously. It may well be that they want attention in the sense of calling out for help and helping them get support may save their life.

Being able to talk openly about suicide can help someone work through their thoughts and have a better chance of discovering options that aren't suicide.

You can’t tell when someone is feeling suicidal Suicide is complex and how people act when they’re struggling to cope is different for everyone. Sometimes there are signs someone might be going through a difficult time or having difficult thoughts. For some people, several signs might apply - for others just one or two, or none.

Page last updated: 1 September 2022

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