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Suicide: Let's talk about it #1 - Mythbusting

4 December 2018

Knowing the facts about suicide can help you to better understand those who are having suicidal thoughts and also to identify the signs if somebody close to you is finding it hard to cope.

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Many people often struggle to talk about suicide. However, it is important to break the silence. Knowing the facts about suicide can make it easier to intervene and make a difference to someone’s life. Here we have debunked 10 common myths about suicide to help you give friends, family and even strangers the right support:

1. Once somebody has decided to take their own life, there is nothing you can do

Suicide is both a preventable and an avoidable death. For somebody talking about suicide, this may be their way of expressing themselves and their pain. It may be their way to reach out for help. Talking to individuals and signposting them to the correct support could save their life. Advice is available to help you have the conversation, if you feel comfortable doing so, but no special training is required and we can all help.

2. Suicide happens without warning

Many individuals would have communicated their distress or plans to at least one other person. These communications are not always clear and direct, so it’s important to know some of the key warning signs. These may include the person isolating themselves, changes in behaviour, major life event triggers such as a relationship breakdown or the death of a loved one (especially if by suicide), or references to being a ‘burden’ or similar language.  

3. People who are suicidal want to die

The majority of people who feel suicidal do not want to die, they just don’t want to live the life they have at the moment. The distinction between these two things is very important and is why talking through options can be very beneficial.

4. You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide

Most people have thought about suicide from time to time. Not all people who die from suicide have mental health problems at the time of death. In fact, only 1 in 3 people who die by suicide are known to mental health services.

5. Talking about suicide can promote the idea of trying it

People who are feeling suicidal often don’t want to worry anyone with how they feel, so they don’t discuss it. By asking directly about suicide, you give the individual permission to tell you how they feel. Once a conversation starts, there is a better chance of them discovering that there are options other than suicide.

6. After a person has attempted suicide, it is unlikely they will try it again

Those who have attempted suicide are more likely to eventually die by suicide than those who haven't. Providing support and guidance when a person is feeling suicidal can help them to see that things can get better.

7. Most suicides happen during winter

Although the winter can heighten depression among people who already feel lonely or stressed, most suicides actually occur during spring.

8. Suicide is an act of selfishness

Suicide is not a selfish act. Many people who attempt suicide feel like they are a burden and that those around them would be better off without them. The person may feel hopeless and it is often difficult for them to imagine that things will get better.

9. Young people are the most likely to take their own lives

Although suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 20 to 34 years in the UK, those at highest risk are actually men between the ages of 40 and 44. Suicide is considerably more likely among men, with around 3 times as many men dying from suicide than women.

10. People who talk about suicide are unlikely to go through with it

All conversations about suicide should be taken seriously. You may be the only person who has listened to the individual. Your actions could save a life. Whenever anyone tells you that they are thinking about suicide, it is important that you keep them safe and discuss professional help available to them. Also remember to look after yourself and seek help if you need to talk about your experience.


Suicide – Let’s talk about it

Suicide is not something we often discuss openly, but it is an important issue that can affect us all. Student Support and Wellbeing are trying to encourage a more open conversation around suicide across UCL.

Read our guidance on what to do if you're having suicidal thoughts

Read our guidance on how to support others who may be feeling suicidal  

We can all help

As members of the UCL community, we can all play a part in supporting each other. Zero Suicide Alliance provide a free online suicide prevention training course which is accessible to all.

The training is approximately 20 minutes long and aims to help you:

  • Identify when an individual is presenting with suicidal thoughts/behaviour
  • Lead a conversation about suicide in a supportive manner
  • Signpost an individual to the correct services for support

To access the training please visit the Zero Suicide Alliance website.

Further reading and sources