Talking about suicide can feel difficult. Knowing the warning signs, understanding common misconceptions, and knowing how to respond can help you recognize when a loved one needs support.
5 common misconceptions about suicide
Suicide can affect people of any age, background, or level of achievement. Yet misconceptions can make it more difficult to recognize when someone you love needs help.
Here are five common suicide myths to know:
Myth #1: Young children don’t die by suicide.
Fact: People think children don’t know what they’re doing or can’t possibly take their lives. Suicide is on the rise for kids as young as five to 12 years old.
Myth #2 Talking about suicide increases the chances of it.
Fact: Research shows that is false. Talking about it allows a person who may have suicidal thoughts to rethink their options and get support. And it reduces the stigma around it.
Myth #3: Suicide happens without warning.
Fact: Someone thinking about suicide often gives clues either verbally or through their behaviors. These can be overlooked or dismissed.
Myth #4: People who take their lives are selfish.
Fact: People who die by suicide just want their suffering to end. They see it as the best or only option for doing that.
Myth #5: High achievers aren’t at risk.
Fact: The perfectionists, the kids who ace every test and class, the star of the basketball team —they are often seen as mentally and emotionally stable. Sometimes, holding yourself to high standards all the time or living in a high-achieving family can feel like a lot of pressure. It can be easy to miss the warning signs with this group.
What are warning signs of suicide?
Learning what to look for, and being willing to start a conversation, can save a life.
Potential warning signs include:
- Talks about suicide
- Writes about suicide
- Writes goodbye letters
- Does online research about suicide
- Engages in self-harm or reckless behavior
- Loses interest in usual activities, withdraws
- Expresses feeling like a burden
- Experiences a loss or threat of a loss
- Changes in personal hygiene
- Changes in sleep
- Experiences mood swings
- Stockpiles medication
- Experiences “amazing reversal” of depression to suddenly being at peace
One warning sign doesn’t necessarily mean someone is suicidal. However, any concern about suicide should be taken seriously.
How can I talk to someone who may be suicidal?
When talking with someone who may be suicidal:
- Be fully present
- Stay calm
- Ask questions
- Validate how they’re feeling
- Offer support
- Remove any means to suicide like chemicals, medications, and sharp objects which significantly reduces the risk of suicide
Approach the conversation with curiosity. Try saying things like:
- “Tell me more about it.”
- “It sounds like you’ve been feeling sad for a while.”
- “I’m glad you told me.”
- “You’re not alone. I’m here for you.”
- “Let’s get you some help.”
Why are teen suicide rates rising?
According to the CDC, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people ages 10 to 24. The reasons behind suicide are complex. There isn’t a single explanation for rising suicide rates.
Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety can increase risk. Other factors may include substance use, bullying, trauma, relationship difficulties, significant loss, and feelings of isolation or hopelessness.
The medical community is even beginning to draw a link between social media use, screen time, lack of sleep and the risk of suicide.
How can parents help prevent teen suicide?
Parents and caregivers need to maintain openness and dialogue with their child, pay attention to their child’s cues, and be available to them. If there seems to be an immediate risk that a teen may attempt suicide, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency department. Stay with them until help is available.
If suicide doesn’t appear to be imminent, but parents and caregivers are concerned about their teen’s behavior, consider seeking a behavioral health screening through the child’s physician.
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available.
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
LGBT National Help Center: 888-843-4564
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Rogers offers mental health support
Our teams care. They take the time to listen to children, teens, and adults experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health challenges.
If you’re concerned about your child or another loved one, you don’t have to figure out the next step alone. Rogers can help you explore treatment options and determine what type of support may be appropriate.
Call 833-308-5887 for a free, confidential screening.
Warning signs of suicide can include talking or writing about suicide, withdrawing from usual activities, expressing feelings of being a burden, changes in sleep or hygiene, mood swings, self-harm or reckless behavior, giving away possessions, and researching suicide online.
Stay calm, be fully present, ask questions, listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and offer support. You can say, “Tell me more about it,” “I’m glad you told me,” or “Let’s get you some help.”
No. Talking openly about suicide does not increase the risk. Asking someone about suicide can give them an opportunity to share what they’re experiencing and connect with support.
Parents can help by maintaining open communication, paying attention to changes in their child’s behavior, being available to listen, taking concerns seriously, and helping their child connect with mental health support when needed.
If someone may be at immediate risk of attempting suicide, stay with them and call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency department. Reduce access to potentially dangerous items when it is safe to do so and stay with them until help is available.
