TRIGGER WARNING: Therapy Thoughts on Suicide
It's National Suicide Prevention Month
The notion that talking or asking about suicide leads to suicide is a myth. We don’t want to avoid the conversation if we are concerned.
Let’s talk about facts:
Research, “None found a statistically significant increase in suicidal ideation among participants asked about suicidal thoughts.”
"Our findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce, rather than increase suicidal ideation, and may lead to improvements in mental health in treatment-seeking populations.” Dazzi T, et al. Psychol Med. 2014.
Talking and asking about suicide gives us and opportunity to COMMUNICATE.
According to suicideprevention.gov "Fears shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in encouraging a person with thoughts of suicide to live comes from talking about those feelings. A simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life can start the conversation. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed”
It’s another myth that if people talk about suicide they aren’t serious... people absolutely will talk about suicide who are genuinely suicidal. The notion that this is simply a plea for attention is stigmatizing and inaccurate, plus dangerous. People who talk about suicide can die by suicide.
Check the resources I listed above for more ideas and help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call 1-800-273-8255
Therapy and tacos for all,
