For many, suicide is a heavy and scary topic.
Learn from experts about five myths about suicide that make it tougher to seek help.
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Rates had declined in both 2019 and 2020, but increased five percent in 2021.
Additionally, around 12.3 had serious thoughts about it.
Language is part of this.
chief program officer at theAmerican Association of Suicidology
But another key piece is looking out for people in our communities and having these conversations.
Because its so difficult to talk about suicide, its important to dispel these myths.
5 dangerous myths about suicide that make it tougher to seek help
Myth 1.
Theres not exactly one right way to talk about suicide.
Have you ever thought about killing yourself?
For example, media coverage of suicides that glorifies or sensationalizes details can inspire copycat attempts.
Myth 2.
In terms of whether people who die by suicide are cowardly or weak?
Dr. Walker says thats not the case because suicide is not a normal response to adversity or stress.
chief program officer at theAmerican Association of Suicidology
Furthermore, assessing suicidal risk is complicated, says Dr. Walker.
We cant actually predict who will or who will not die by suicide, she emphasizes.
I always say to assume that anyone who is in pain could be vulnerable.
In general, older people are more likely to die by suicide than younger people, says Dr. Walker.
Older adults over age 75 are also at high risk of dying by suicide.
However, this doesnt mean that younger folks arent at great risk.
Myth 4.
Bottom line: Mentioning suicide is a cry for help.
That said, there may be some people whodotalk about suicide as a means to get attention.
Ignoring them is not the answer, according to Dr. Walker.
If this is what theyre doing for attention, I think theyre worth paying attention to, she says.
Myth 5.
But until we can do that, we do need to restrict folks access [to lethal means].
Means restriction is one of the most important things that we can do as a society.Dr.
Walker
Some suicide methods have higher lethality rates than others.
This is important because theres still a chance to help someone who survives an attempted suicide.
Research has shown that enacting these safety measures saves lives.
Learning whats fact and whats fiction is part of that.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, know that help is available.
kindly call theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat 1-800-273-8255 orchat with a counselor online.
Trained counselors are available 24/7.
you’ve got the option to also text LIFELINE to 988.
There are additional specific resources forpeople with specific identitiesavailable, too.
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