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Myths about suicide

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In the collective unconscious, a whole series of myths, false beliefs, and prejudices surrounding suicide, associated with its taboo and stigma, hover over what we must combat. They neither help nor protect, and are merely unhelpful attempts to explain its terrible reasons.

  • All people who die by suicide suffer from a mental disorder.

FALSE. Wanting to die indicates great distress and emotional suffering, but not necessarily a mental disorder. Not everyone with a mental disorder attempts suicide, nor does everyone who takes their own life have a mental illness. Intense pain leads people to believe that death is the only possible solution.

  • The person who commits suicide wants to die.

FALSE. People who attempt or commit suicide are often ambivalent about life and death. Some people die in the attempt but would have preferred to continue living. These individuals want to be rid of the emotional distress they feel.

  • All people who have ever attempted suicide will never stop trying.

FALSE. It is true that some people attempt suicide several times in a short period, but suicidal thoughts are not permanent. In some cases, they never return.

  • People who say they are going to take their own lives are not going to do it.

FALSE. Approximately 75% of people who died by suicide gave some kind of warning beforehand. These people don't want attention. Never ignore these kinds of messages. Talking about it can be a way to ask for help.

  • Talking about suicide can incite someone to do it.

FALSE. The stigma surrounding suicide is very high. Most people contemplating suicide don't know who to share it with. Talking about it can actually be an opportunity to prevent it, offering a new and alternative perspective on the situation.

  • Suicide cannot be prevented because it is an impulsive act.

FALSE. The percentage of cases in which no prior symptoms, risk factors, or indicators were observed is very low. These cases are certainly very difficult to prevent, but in most, numerous indicators of suicidal behavior are present. Therefore, prevention is the greatest possible contribution to helping these individuals.