The Myths and Realities of Suicide
Suicide is still today’s biggest misconception as a crisis in public health. The mass dissemination of misinformation perpetuates stigma, isolating crisis‐impacted individuals and making it difficult for their loved ones to be supportive. It is key in opening dialogue, enhancing access to support, and creating avenues for healing in addressing these misunderstandings. By replacing myths with accurate information and compassion, we can break the silence and offer opportunities for hope for crisis‐affected individuals.
Among the fallacies most damaging is the belief that discussing suicide encourages it. The converse is true in reality. Avoiding talk perpetuates secrecy and shame, while research indicates that when suicidal ideation is openly discussed, assistance is more often accessed. A parent who asks softly if, at some time or another, they ever felt so stressed that they thought about hurting themselves may be opening a door for open dialogue. The reply, usually a nervous but relief‐radiating “Yes, sometimes, but I thought you wouldn’t know,” is the start of support. Inquiring about suicidal ideation does not plant suicidal ideation — it is a signal of caring and compassion.
Suicide is another self‐destructive misconception in that it is thought to be selfish. The reality is that suicidal people are usually convinced they are a burden to others and are not considering how their loss might cause suffering for someone else. Survivors who have tried to commit suicide report that they believed family and friends would be better off without them. One survivor discussed, “I thought family would be better if I wasn’t there. I had no idea pain would be passed down to them.” Identifying suicidal behaviour as resulting from intense pain rather than selfishness allows for a basis in compassion and not in judgment.
A widespread misconception is that suicide is unique to someone who possesses a diagnosed mental illness. Mental disorders may raise the risk, but suicide is a complex experience resulting from a variety of causes. Few suicide victims had no known mental health disorder at the time. Suicide is the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, and environmental variables. One cause does not determine risk (Zhang et al., 2024).
There is also a widespread fallacy that if someone is suicidal in thought, he or she is certain to follow through. However, most who experience suicidal ideation are not suicidal, as long as they are properly intervened upon. Suicidal ideation is episodic and not a permanent state, and once intervened upon, most can regain hope and stability. Therapy, medication, and supportive relationships can allow one to regain confidence and stability. Psychological risk factors come together over time and, in one way or another, determine suicidality among emergency department patients. It may not offer a direct indication, but a clear mental association with death has proved consistently associated with all suicide‐related outcomes. Hopelessness, lack of belonging, and lack of the perceived ability to die are core adverse psychological states uniquely related to suicide attempts (Freichel et al., 2025).
Another lingering myth is that once someone is suicidal, they are at risk forever. The fact is that suicidal thinking is temporary. The appropriate support can enable them to recover and regain a reason for being. Y, who is a mental health activist, recalls, “I thought that I would be stuck in darkness forever. However, therapy, medication, and a supportive network nudged me out of darkness and towards the light.” They are wrongly thought to be attention‐seeking and unlikely to act upon threats. Verbal threats are, in reality, warning indicators. Most suicide victims had provided warnings in advance. Each suicidal threat should be taken seriously, and a direct question like, “Are you thinking about suicide?” can be a method to introduce lifesaving interventions.
Worldwide 700,000 people die by suicide each year. Within the year 2022, for the United States alone, the number of individuals who died by suicide was reported at approximately 47,000; it ranks as the second leading cause of death in the 15 to 29 age group, as per the World Health Organization (2021) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). Misconceptions distort our understanding of suicide statistics. For instance, although a common perception of suicide is that it is always premeditated, research indicates that nearly 40% of suicides are impulsive (Smith, 2020). Equally untrue is the belief that suicide cannot be prevented because, as Jones and Brown (2021) show, evidence supports that restricting access to lethal means is life‐saving and death‐preventive. Enhanced mental health awareness and strong support systems are crucial strategies; they help in early intervention and encourage help‐seeking behaviour among distressed individuals (Doe, 2022). The reasons for suicide are multiple, but some major causes are mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder; traumatic events like child abuse, PTSD, and loss; substance use disorders; and easy access to lethal methods coupled with isolation. On the contrary, supportive relationships, effective treatments, a reason for living, and cultural discouragement of self‐destructive behaviour are protective against suicide.
Suicidal thoughts are discussed in detail in scientific research. Moods and impulse control are mediated by neurotransmitters such as serotonin, cortisol, and dopamine. A lack of serotonin is linked to increased impulsiveness and mood disorders, and excessive cortisol — a state resulting from prolonged stress — affects decision-making and emotional regulation. A diminished sensitivity to dopamine can be linked to hopelessness and loss of pleasure in daily activities. Trauma leaves a lasting mark on the brain, reprogramming circuits in a way that heightens fear responses and reduces emotional processing.
In addition to brain chemistry, there are also theoretical constructs in psychology for suicidal ideation. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, developed by Dr. Thomas Joiner, actually states three elements. These elements combine to increase the risk of suicide (Joiner, 2005). According to this theory, suicidal desire would spring from two psychological states, one of which is thwarted belongingness (the need to belong has not been satisfied; one finds themselves isolated) and perceived burdensomeness (others are better off without them; they are a burden to family and friends) (Van Orden et al., 2010). These states in and of themselves are not sufficient to result in suicide attempts. Acquired capability for suicide — the third critical component — is the ability to become unafraid of death and pain that comes with the willingness to live because a person has endured an experience so painful that it leaves a lasting impact (Ribeiro & Joiner, 2009). A study shows that approximately 80% of suicide attempts involve these interpersonal states (Chu et al., 2017). However, fortunately, such CBT-based therapies can reduce suicidal ideation by half, by helping the individual recognise and deal with these distorted perceptions of belongingness and burdensomeness (Brown et al., 2005).
Societal and cultural factors have a very significant influence on suicidal behaviour. Mental health-related issues are still highly stigmatised. Surveys have recorded that approximately 60% of individuals prefer not to discuss suicide for fear that others will judge them, as indicated by Nguyen et al. (2020). This is another factor that has greatly influenced public opinion and perception. Furthermore, many advanced countries do not yet have a comprehensive preventative approach to suicidal behaviour. Only about 8% of the countries surveyed have a policy on suicide (Anderson, 2019). Cultural beliefs also affect the perception of suicide in social settings. In some societies, it is considered an honourable act, while in others it is condemned. There is a high degree of variation due to rapid social change and economic instability. Suicide appears more permissible in some societal contexts and less so in others.
Understanding the warning signs is a way to prevent suicide. Verbal warnings, such as “I wish I weren’t here” or “Nothing matters,” must not be dismissed. Behavioural changes, such as withdrawal from society, irresponsible behaviour, and substance use, can be indicative of distress. Emotional changes, such as a sudden calm after a period of intense turmoil, can be a warning for someone contemplating suicide. Understanding warning signs and being responsive in a supportive way can be a lifesaver.
Among suicide prevention’s greatest allies is information. By reframing myths and embracing reality about suicide, we can empower family members, individuals, and communities to behave in proactive and supportive ways towards someone in crisis. Awareness alone can replace silence and stigma with compassion, and desperation with hope. As Albert Einstein once asserted, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” The difference in saving lives is awareness, action, and being open to listening.
