Common Myths & Facts About Suicide

Myth 1: Talking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s head.

Fact: Research shows that asking about suicide does not increase risk. In fact, it may reduce suicidal ideation and encourage help-seeking.
Compassionate conversation can save lives.

  • Reference: Gould et al. (2005), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

Myth 2: Suicide happens without warning.

Fact: Many people who die by suicide show warning signs, such as withdrawal, hopelessness, giving away belongings, or changes in behavior. Recognizing these signs offers an opportunity to intervene.

  • Reference: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

Myth 3: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.

Fact: Any talk of suicide should be taken seriously. Verbalizing distress is often a cry for help, not manipulation. Respond with empathy, not dismissal.

  • Reference: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Myth 4: Faith or strong moral values prevent suicide.

Fact: Suicide can affect people of any faith background. Strong values are protective factors, but they do not eliminate risk — and when stigma exists in faith communities, it can further isolate those struggling.

  • Reference: NIMH; AFSP; Multiple studies on faith and suicide risk

Myth 5: If someone is determined to die by suicide, nothing can stop them.

Fact: Most suicidal crises are temporary and connected to current pain, not a fixed desire to die.
Timely support and safety measures can and do save lives.

  • Reference: Harvard School of Public Health, Means Matter Campaign

Myth 6: Only people with mental illness die by suicide.

Fact: While mental illness is a risk factor, suicide is multi-faceted. Trauma, substance use, loss, social isolation, and life stressors all contribute. Many people who die by suicide have no formal diagnosis at the time of death.

  • Reference: CDC, National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)

Myth 7: Once someone feels better, the risk of suicide is gone.

Fact: Suicide risk often remains highest after a crisis period or hospitalization — when people may feel alone or unsupported. Ongoing connection and follow-up are crucial.

  • Reference: World Health Organization (WHO), AFSP

How Stigma Harms

Stigma drives people into silence.

When suicide is treated as shameful, sinful, or taboo:

  • People at risk hide their pain.

  • Families feel unable to talk about their loss.

  • Churches and communities miss opportunities to intervene.

  • Survivors face additional trauma through judgment and isolation.

Breaking stigma creates a culture of life and hope.

How We Can Break Stigma

✅ Talk openly and compassionately about suicide in churches and communities.
✅ Learn and share accurate information about risk factors, prevention, and recovery.
✅ Support survivors of suicide loss without blame or judgment.
✅ Offer resources and create safe spaces where people can seek help.
✅ Model nonjudgmental attitudes from the pulpit and in everyday conversation.
✅ Use the right language — say "died by suicide," not "committed suicide," which carries criminal or moral judgment.

Words matter. Compassion matters. Every life matters.