Suicidal Thoughts: Myths That Get in the Way of Help

Suicidal thoughts are surrounded by persistent myths. Those myths cause people in crisis to stay silent and those around them to miss the signs. Examining them clearly opens the door to real help.

Myth 1: "It's a choice, not an illness"

One of the most dangerous beliefs is treating suicidal thoughts as a deliberate decision or a character weakness. Dr. Saulitis is unequivocal: such thoughts always arise from a disorder of the brain. Where there is no illness, there are no such thoughts. That means a person in crisis needs treatment — not judgement.

Myth 2: "Talking about suicide is dangerous — better stay silent"

A common fear holds that asking about suicidal thoughts will plant or encourage them. In reality, silence only isolates the person further. An open, compassionate conversation is not a trigger — it is the first step toward letting someone know they are seen and that help is possible.

Myth 3: "If the disorder isn't treated, it will pass on its own"

Another mistake is waiting for things to resolve by themselves. If no one identifies what needs to be treated, nothing improves. Mental disorders require recognition and professional care — without that, neither the person in crisis nor the people who care for them can move forward.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is in acute distress, do not wait. Reach out to a psychiatrist or mental health professional, call a crisis helpline, or call emergency services. In Russia, the universal emergency number is 112. Asking for help is not weakness — it is the first and most important step toward finding a way through.