Suicide MythBusters

Debunking the common myths associated with suicide can help us become more comfortable helping others and seeking help for ourselves when needed.

Here are some of the most common myths and facts about suicide.

Myth: Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.

Fact: Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness. Relationship problems and other life stressors such as criminal/legal matters, persecution, eviction/loss of home, death of a loved one, a devastating or debilitating illness, trauma, abuse, rejection, and recent or impending crises are also associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Myth: Once an individual is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal.

Fact: Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific. Studies have shown that approximately 54% of individuals who have died by suicide did not have a diagnosable mental health disorder. And for those with mental illness, the proper treatment can help to reduce symptoms.

The act of suicide is often an attempt to control deep, painful emotions and thoughts an individual is experiencing. Once these thoughts dissipate, so will the suicidal ideation. While suicidal thoughts can return, they are not permanent. An individual with suicidal thoughts and attempts can live a long, successful life.

Myth: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.

Fact: Warning signs—verbally or behaviorally—precede most suicides. Therefore, it’s important to learn and understand the warnings signs associated with suicide. Many individuals who are suicidal may only show warning signs to those closest to them. These loved ones may not recognize what’s going on, which is how it may seem like the suicide was sudden or without warning.

Myth: People who die by suicide are selfish and take the easy way out.

Fact: Typically, people do not die by suicide because they do not want to live—people die by suicide because they want to end their suffering. These individuals are suffering so deeply that they feel helpless and hopeless. Individuals who experience suicidal ideations do not do so by choice. They are not simply, “thinking of themselves,” but rather they are going through a very serious mental health symptom due to either mental illness or a difficult life situation.

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.

Mental health is just as important as our physical health. In fact, they are deeply connected!  When we endure stress for long periods of time, we can exhibit physical symptoms like headaches, joint pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, and more. Ignoring signs that our mental well-being needs a tune-up could result in time away from work and increased healthcare expenses.

 Signs and symptoms of stress include, but are not limited to:

• A decline in personal appearance
• Changes in routines or social activities
• Increases in illnesses or chronic conditions
• Lack of interest in activities
• A decline in the care of pets and livestock
• A decline in the appearance of the farm
• Increases in farm injuries or incidents

 

 Warning signs of suicide include but are not limited to:

• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Suggesting people would be better off without them
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Drastic changes in mood or behavior
• Giving away possessions

 

If these warning signs of suicide apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has occurred more often. Not only does the agriculture industry have some of the highest rates of fatalities and injuries  across all age groups, but also some of the highest rates of suicide.  

Work and life in agricultural communities bring about unique stressors and situations including barriers to care.

Risk factors for poor mental health that can be prevalent in agricultural communities include:

• Social isolation
• Advanced age
• Higher rates of chronic medical condition
• Commodity prices
• Weather changes
• Long hours or fatigue
• A recent loss (emotional, relational, or financial)

 Barriers to accessing care include:

• Stigma
• Lack of privacy or anonymity
• Changes in health insurance
• Instability at work

The SW Ag Center wants to remind producers, workers, and their families that it is okay to acknowledge feelings of anxiousness, hopelessness, or even thoughts of suicide. Tough conversations today could prevent tragedy tomorrow.

 If you know someone that is experiencing emotional pain or thoughts of suicide…

1. Ask if they want to talk and let them know you care about them.
2. Listen to them well.
3. Familiarize yourself with available mental and behavioral health resources.
4. Connect them to help and follow up.
5. Reduce access to lethal means, such as firearms, if you think someone is at risk of suicide.

If you or someone you know needs support or resources, you may call or text the AgriStress Helpline at 833.897.2474 or find additional resources.

Sources:

• What is driving the high suicide rate among farmers?.
• 5 Common Myths About Suicide Debunked