Dispelling Myths: What You Need to Know About Suicide

As we observe Suicide Prevention Month this September, it’s time to replace fear with facts. The fear of saying the wrong thing often prevents us from having life-saving conversations. Suicide is a serious public health issue, but it is also preventable. By challenging common myths, we can create a community in the San Luis Valley that is more informed, compassionate, and equipped to help.

Here at SLV Behavioral Health Group, we want to help dispel the misinformation that contributes to stigma and silence.

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Myth vs. Fact: 8 Things You Need to Know

1. Talking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s head.
   Fact: The opposite is true. Asking someone directly about suicide shows that you care and are willing to talk about their pain without judgment. It gives them permission to open up and provides a crucial opportunity to connect them with help. It can be a massive relief for someone who has been suffering in silence.
2. Myth: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.
   Fact: When someone expresses thoughts of suicide—whether through direct statements, social media posts, or a change in behavior—they are not seeking attention; they are crying out for help. These expressions are a sign of deep distress and should be met with compassion and a willingness to act.
3. Myth: A person who is determined to die by suicide can’t be stopped.
   Fact: The vast majority of people who have survived a suicide attempt say they regret their decision almost immediately. Suicidal crises are often temporary. Reaching out during a crisis can interrupt this temporary state of hopelessness. A simple act of connection or providing a safe space to talk can make all the difference.
4. Myth: Once a person is suicidal, they will always be suicidal.
   Fact: A person’s risk for suicide is not a permanent state. While some people may have recurring struggles with depression or other mental health conditions, with proper treatment and support, they can and do recover. Many people who have experienced suicidal thoughts go on to live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives.
5. Myth: People who attempt suicide are selfish or weak.
   Fact: Suicide is not about weakness or  selfishness; it's about overwhelming emotional pain. When someone is in this much pain, their ability to think clearly is severely impaired. Viewing suicide as a sign of profound pain rather than a character flaw is the first step toward empathy and effective support.
6. Myth: Only people with a diagnosed mental illness are at risk of suicide.
   Fact: While a mental health diagnosis is a significant risk factor, it is not the only one. Other major contributing factors include chronic physical illness, relationship problems, financial stress, bullying, social isolation, and a history of trauma. Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of their mental health history.
7. Myth: Suicide is a choice.
   Fact: The idea of suicide is often a result of a person's inability to see a way out of unbearable pain. When someone's mind is clouded by a mental health condition or life stress, their rational decision-making is compromised. It’s more accurate to see suicide not as a choice but as a tragic outcome of untreated pain and a desperate need for relief.
8. Myth: Suicide attempts almost always happen without warning.
   Fact: Most people who are suicidal give some kind of warning sign—even if subtle. These signs can be verbal, behavioral, or situational. They can include changes in mood or sleep, withdrawing from friends and family, an increase in substance use, giving away possessions, or talking about feeling like a burden. Learning to recognize these signs can empower you to act and help save a life.

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You Can Make a Difference.

By arming ourselves with the facts, we can become a community of caregivers. Your empathy and willingness to have an uncomfortable conversation can save a life. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to be there.

If you or someone you know in the San Luis Valley is in crisis, please don't hesitate. Help is available.

• Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• The SLV Behavioral Health Group Crisis Team is also available 24/7 at 719-589-3671.

Your mental health matters. Your life matters.

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