Common Misconceptions about Suicide
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming; everyone deserves a space to feel heard and supported. At Roamers Therapy, we provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and evidence-based environments to help you heal, grow, and navigate your mental well-being journey. As your psychotherapist, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Suicide refers to death caused by self-injurious behaviors with the intent to die. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022, there were over 49,000 deaths by suicide in the United States. Despite how serious suicide is, suicide remains a taboo topic, and there are many misconceptions about suicide.
Terminology
| Say This | Don’t Say This |
| Died by Suicide | Committed Suicide, Completed Suicide, Successful Attempt |
| Attempted Suicide | Unsuccessful Attempt |
| A person living with thoughts of suicide. | Suicide attempter |
Myth 1: Talking About Suicide
One common myth about suicide is that by talking about suicide or asking someone about suicide, they will be more likely to attempt suicide.
This is not true. Research shows that demystifying suicide, asking about suicide, and assessing the risk of suicide decreases an individual’s risk of attempting suicide.
Myth 2: Suicide is a Weakness
Another common misconception about suicide is that only certain kinds of individuals live with and experience thoughts of suicide. Many people also believe that individuals who live with thoughts of suicide are weak.
This is not true. Research shows that many individuals, regardless of race, age, or ethnicity, have experienced thoughts of suicide to some extent.
The CDC found that over 13 million adult Americans have thought about suicide.
Myth 3: Attention Seeking
People often believe that individuals who live with thoughts of suicide or attempt suicide are doing so for some type of attention.
This is not true. People who live with thoughts of suicide may share their thoughts and feelings with others in hopes of receiving help or support. As mentioned, talking about suicide saves lives. It’s essential to take any expression of suicide seriously.
Myth4: Nothing Can Be Done
A common myth about suicide, which often leads to people avoiding responsibility, is the idea that if someone wants to die, there is nothing that can be done.
This is not true. Preventing suicide is everyone’s responsibility. Many things can be done in order to avoid suicide, which include:
- Checking in on loved ones.
- Asking about suicide.
- Listen to people and share your support for them.
- Encouraging people to seek support.
- Providing referrals for support, such as the Crisis Lifeline.
- In urgent situations, contacting local authorities can be necessary.
Myth 5: Warning Signs
People often believe that when someone does die by suicide, their death is sudden and with no warning signs.
This is not true. Oftentimes, there are many warning signs for suicide, which can include:
- Increased substance use
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Mood shifts (e.g., aggression, irritability, numbness)
- Talking about death, dying, or suicide
- Fatigue, exhaustion, sleeping too much (or too little)
- Calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away possessions
Myth 6: Repeat Attempts
Another common misconception is that if someone attempts suicide, they are less likely to try again.
This is untrue. Having a history of suicide attempts is a risk factor for dying by suicide. People who have attempted suicide are not only more likely to attempt suicide again but are also more likely to die by suicide in a future attempt. The individual may identify barriers from a previous effort or identity.
Help is Available
If you are someone you know is living with suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available!
- Suicide Lifeline (online chat)
- Suicide Lifeline (text or call – 988)
- Trevor Project (online chat, call, or text)
- Trans Lifeline
- Mental health Therapists
- Immediate family members, support persons, trusted loved ones
- Call local authorities in urgent situations
While our physical offices are located in South Loop and Lakeview neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois for in-person sessions, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.
At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.
First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.
This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.
While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.