Debunking myths: Understanding suicide to prevent it

Talking about suicide can feel frightening. It is often seen as something extreme, something that happens far away from us, to other people. But what if someone around you is suffering that deeply, in silence, without you ever realising it?

Numbers and context

Every year, more than 700.000 people worldwide take their own lives, and many more attempt suicide. The rate is more than twice as high among men as it is among women. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29, but it is not limited to this group. Even children under 15 are affected.

Suicide is not a single moment or decision. There are different stages, from having suicidal thoughts, to making plans, to gathering the means to act on them. Thinking about suicide as a possibility is not the same as actively preparing for it. That is why recognising the warning signs matters, and why intervention can make a difference at any stage before the final one.

When someone dies by suicide, the impact does not end there. It leaves a lifelong mark on family members, friends, and society as a whole.

What makes people reach that decision

The first thing we need to understand is that people do not decide to end their lives because they want to die. What usually happens is that they are facing a situation that causes overwhelming emotional, mental, or physical suffering, and they can no longer see a way out. The issue is not the pain itself, nor the situation alone, but the feeling that there are no solutions left, and that death is the only way to make the suffering stop.

This often points to a lack of support, either from a social network or from resources that could offer alternatives to suicide. We live in increasingly individualistic societies, where building and maintaining strong social connections has become more difficult, making relationships more superficial in terms of communication. One of the major epidemics of the 21st century is loneliness, even while being surrounded by other people. This kind of isolation weakens the social support systems (friends, family, neighbours...) that can play a crucial role in suicide prevention.

The myths surrounding suicide

There are many incorrect beliefs about suicide. These misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings about people who are suicidal, can cause us to withdraw support from them, and can ultimately stand in the way of effective prevention.

Most of these myths come from outdated ways of thinking, shaped decades ago. But we are living in the 21st century, and it is time to move past them and approach suicide in a more realistic, compassionate, and helpful way.

Let’s learn. And let’s evolve.

Need help? Contact In-Mentis Integrative Psychology

Myth 1: Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide may encourage them to do it

Reality: Research has shown that openly talking about suicidal thoughts can actually reduce the risk of acting on them, as it helps relieve tension and emotional pressure.

What you can do: Ask directly, and listen with respect. This shows your loved one that you care and that you genuinely want to help. Never argue with, dismiss, or belittle their thoughts or feelings, even if you do not agree with them or see the situation in the same way.

Myth 2: A person who talks about wanting to end their life will never actually do it

Reality: The vast majority of people who attempt suicide have previously expressed their intent in some way, through words, threats, gestures, or noticeable changes in behaviour.

What you can do: Never dismiss these statements as blackmail, manipulation, or attention-seeking. Always take them with the utmost seriousness. Remember that, for them, there is no visible way out, and that is the real problem.

Myth 3: A person who wants to commit suicide does not talk about it

Reality: Out of every 10 people who die by suicide, nine clearly express their intentions in advance, while the remaining one hints at them in some way. Only a very small number of suicides occur without any warning signs.

What you can do: Take all threats of self-harm seriously. If you notice warning signs, ask directly about their intentions. Above all, help them feel that they matter and encourage them to seek professional support.

Myth 4: Suicide is an impulsive act, and most suicides happen without any warning

Reality: Although a suicidal act can sometimes be impulsive, there are almost always prior signs and warning signals, whether verbal or non-verbal, direct or indirect.

What you can do: Act when you notice warning signs. This is more than a cry for help. Suicide is almost always preceded by signals. Your role is to learn how to recognise these clues and to understand that prevention is both possible and necessary.

Myth 5: Only people with serious problems commit suicide

Reality: Suicide rarely has a single cause. It often results from the accumulation of many problems that may seem “minor” on the surface. What feels insignificant to one person can be overwhelming and unbearable to another.

What you can do: Do not underestimate another person’s pain. Avoid judging the seriousness of your loved one’s struggles through your own lens. Try not to focus on a single event. Instead, consider the full context of what they are facing and how long they may have been carrying a complex or ongoing situation.

Making a profound difference

Once these barriers are broken down, we can learn to listen and observe more clearly, and to recognise the signs that often appear.

Truly understanding why someone might consider suicide, practising active listening, showing respect, and helping them explore other options and sources of support can make a profound difference.