Stigma and suicide myths

Fact: Many people have suicidal thoughts and don’t act on them. Suicidal crises can be relatively short-lived. Immediate help, such as staying with the person, keeping them talking, helping them find reasons to live and offering them hope, can all help avert the crisis. It’s also important that the person seeks appropriate support.

Fact: While people who have experienced mental distress and/or illness may carry a higher suicide risk, anyone can feel suicidal. Many individuals with experience of mental distress and/or illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts. People who are thinking of suicide may display signs of depression and/or anxiety, but not always.

Fact: People who die by suicide often experience intense emotional (or sometimes physical) pain. They may want to end their suffering, or feel like a burden to others, and can see no other way to stop the pain. Sometimes they feel people will be better off without them.

Fact: Recovery from a suicide attempt is not a straightforward process, or a situation simply resolved following the attempt. A person who attempts suicide, and who is still in pain, may attempt suicide again. Making an earlier suicide attempt is a very high-risk factor for another suicide attempt. It is necessary to make sure the person gets the help they need.

Fact: This is a myth that can stop whānau, friends and colleagues from taking action. The truth is that whānau, friends and colleagues can play a crucial role in helping people at risk of suicide get the help they need. Staying connected is key.