Myths and facts about suicide

There are many myths about suicide that stop people from just asking someone if they are ok; from ‘talking about it makes it more likely to happen’ to how suicide occurs because of a single event.

Watch this video to find out more:

Sadly around 2,000 years of life are prematurely lost to suicide across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent each year. By challenging common myths surrounding suicide, we can make it easier for people to talk about it and get help. We’ve set out six important facts below.

Facts

Men are more at risk

The highest suicide rate in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is among men in their 40s and 50s. They are dads, sons, brothers, uncles, best mates, team mates, work mates. They’re someone you know. There’s many reasons including the stigma of mental health preventing them sharing their feelings.

Talking about suicide doesn’t make it happen

There’s no easy way to ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal. But it won’t make it more likely. Talking and listening can help prevent suicide, so raising the issue with someone won’t increase their risk.

Suicidal thoughts are often the result of emotional or physical pain, stress or unhappiness. These situations can affect anyone and everyone. Suicide isn’t always caused by a big event.

Suicide can be prevented