Myths about suicide
MYTH: Asking about suicide will plant the idea in someone’s head.
INFO: There is no evidence for this. Most people thinking about suicide feel relieved to talk about it. Only talking about specific methods to suicide increases risk. Asking about if they have thought of a method is okay.
MYTH: People who talk about suicide are less likely to do it.
INFO: Most people who suicide have communicated some intent.
MYTH: If someone really wants to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do about it.
INFO: Most suicide ideation is linked to underlying treatable disorders or recent or current stressors.
The acute risk period for suicide is often time-limited.
Helping a person survive immediate risk can reduce their risk overall.
Research shows psychotherapy and at times medication are effective in improving the mental state of someone considering suicide.
MYTH: Multiple self-harm and suicide attempts are attention-seeking and not really suicidal.
INFO: Multiple prior attempts and self-harm increases likelihood of eventual dying by suicide.
Self-harm is common for autistic people and may include behaviours like hitting themselves (with their own hands/firsts or against walls, floors, etc.), scratching, or picking their skin. This is referred to as repetitive and restrictive behaviour which may be a way the person reacts to stress or anxiety, or may be used to distract or calm themselves. This is often not associated with suicide ideation. Autistic people may also engage on other types of self-injury such as cutting, which may indicate psychological stress and could be a warning sign for suicidal thoughts or behaviour. It can be very difficult to distinguish between self-injury that is associated with repetitive and restrictive behaviour, and self-injury indicating psychological distress. Look out for instances when these behaviours become out of the ordinary for that person and their self-harm begins to escalate and become more frequent or they use new methods. Also consider the function of the behaviour. Is the self-injury in the context of a repetitive behaviour they have engaged in the past when bored or stressed or does it seem related to a recent stressor. If you are unsure, it is always good to ask anyway if they are having thoughts about suicide. If their behaviour is causing them harm (whether in the context of suicide ideation or not), see if you can link them with a psychologist or occupational therapist who can teach them other less harmful behaviours, called replacement behaviours, to cope with anxiety, stress, boredom etc. such as having a gadget they can fidget with.
MYTH: Prediction is possible.
INFO: While this tool provides information on possible risk factors and warning signs and guidance on how to act, it cannot predict what actions anyone might take.
MYTH: If my loved one dies by suicide, it is my fault.
INFO: You are not responsible for another person’s thoughts and actions.
Their thoughts and actions are beyond your control.
Their thoughts and actions come from a complex combination of biology, genetics, neurological factors, developmental factors, socio-economic factors, cultural factors, life experience, substance use, environmental factors, personality factors, thinking patterns, behaviours and other factors.
MYTH: Someone with suicidal thoughts is a coward:
INFO: Mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts does not represent laziness, cowardliness, attention-seeking, bad diet, mental, physical or spiritual weakness or a failure of character. Mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts represents real psychological pain. Mental health difficulties are as real as cancer, diabetes and a broken leg. Just because it’s a health issue above the neck does not mean it’s any less valid.
MYTH: People on the spectrum have no empathy for others and don’t care about the impact of their self-harm and suicide attempts on others.
INFO: People on the spectrum feel deeply and intensely. They have huge compassion and awareness of others. Their intense emotions often trigger suicide ideation. Telling them to think about the impact their suicide might have on others may not be the most helpful thing to say. Instead focus on alleviating stressors, such as anti-bullying support at school or in the workplace (see more examples in the next steps).
MYTH: Autistic people are not social and do not want or need friends.
INFO: Autistic people often strongly crave connection and want friends to spend time with. They find it very difficult to make and keep friends and can feel isolated, different and alone which can lead to suicide ideation.
WE NEED TO CHANGE THE CULTURE OF THIS TOPIC AND MAKE IT OK TO SPEAK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE.