Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide.

[AnotherChristian]

I've been thinking about the stigma of being suicidal ... then today I read this, and wondered if anyone would like to comment.

Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide.

Fact: There is a widespread stigma associated with suicide and as a result, many people are afraid to speak about it. Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others. We all need to talk more about suicide.

Debunking these common myths about suicide can hopefully allow individuals to look at suicide from a different angle—one of understanding and compassion for an individual who is internally struggling. Maybe they are struggling with a mental illness or maybe they are under extreme pressure and do not have healthy coping skills or a strong support system.

As a society, we should not be afraid to speak up about suicide, to speak up about mental illness or to seek out treatment for an individual who is in need. Eliminating the stigma starts by understanding why suicide occurs and advocating for mental health awareness within our communities. There are suicide hotlines, mental health support groups, online community resources and many mental health professionals who can help any individual who is struggling with unhealthy thoughts and emotions.

- from https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2020/5-Common-Myths-About-Suicide-Debunked

 

[Lady Wolfshead]

I've heard this years ago actually and think it's backed up by studies. Talking about it actually gives people some relief and makes them less likely to act impulsively.

 

[Ju]

When my step son was going through a suicidal period years back I was told it was my fault by the doctors treating him as I was also going through the same thing. We would sit for hours talking about ways to kill ourselves, getting more and more ridiculous the longer we talked. We spent weeks like this. He refused to talk to anyone else about his feelings, only me as I understood what he was going through.
After about a month of this talking he suddenly came to visit out of the blue and told that he was feeling better, he no longer wanted to kill himself and he thanked me for talking to him for so long. He still says now that I am the reason he is still alive because I gave him a place to talk about anything with judgement and understanding.

 

[seabird]

I'm having a hard time coming up with the right words, without writing far too much. That's beautifully excellent. It is for several reasons, one of the best things I've read here @Ju .

 

[Ju]

I'm having a hard time coming up with the right words, without writing far too much. That's beautifully excellent. It is for several reasons, one of the best things I've read here @Ju .

Thanks Seabird. At the time it seemed like I was doing nothing to help either one of us, just talking about doom and gloom. As I look back on it now I realise it was what both of us needed at the time. A safe place to talk, without judgement, a way to get our feelings out of our heads.

 

[AnotherChristian]

That's beautifully excellent. It is for several reasons, one of the best things I've read here @Ju .

Agreed.

 

[Innocent Forever]

I think. Both from research and my experience. That talking about suicide - not encouraging suicide - creates safety.

I saw something in a novel I read:


here below now Jasper is talking to Caera's boyfriend. Connie is a therapist who's a friend.


It's just worded so well... I saved it as soon as I read it.