The holiday season is here, and some of us will undoubtedly hear that these are days when suicides increase.
Fortunately, this isn’t true, but rather a “long perpetuated myth,” mental health experts said.
Unfortunately, it’s a myth that may do more harm than good. And no matter the time of year, suicide remains a tragic reality, particularly in Montana, where the suicide rate is among the nation’s highest.
It doesn’t help people who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts to tell them this is the time of year when others take their lives, said Dan Romer, research director at the Annenberg Public Policy Center.
“Research has shown that this kind of information can be harmful,” Romer said, “and recommendations for reporting on suicide specifically argue against citing trends in suicide that are unsubstantiated or false.”
The media, according to the Annenberg Center, has been complicit in keeping the myth alive.
Starting in 1999, the center tracked news coverage of suicide for 18 years.
“In only two of those years have more than 60 percent of stories debunked the myth. In most of those years, there have been more newspaper stories supporting the myth than debunking it,” according to Annenberg’s research.
Here is the truth: Suicide rates are lowest in December, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
Said the Annenberg Center: “The average daily rates often peak in the spring and summer months. In 2015 … the months with the highest average daily suicide rates were May, July and March.”
This also holds true for Montana, consistently one of the states with the highest rate of suicide.
“Holidays are not the highest,” said Herbert Council, Montana Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson. “The highest tends to be change of seasons, especially spring.”
How the media reports on suicide can be harmful. It can contribute to contagion.
However, if done right, news coverage can encourage people to get help, according to experts.
Whatever the rate during the holidays, suicide continues to be a major, year-round public health problem.
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DPHHS provides tips on how to recognize signs of suicide and what to do.
Professionals emphasize that it’s very important to take every sign seriously and never, even if you suspect other reasons for a person’s behavior, put someone in the position of having to prove they are serious.
Don’t be afraid to talk about it.
“Don’t avoid the topic. Talk about the feelings and don’t be afraid to mention the word ‘suicide,’ ” professionals counsel.
A serious mistake is believing that broaching the topic will plant the idea. If the person is suicidal, asking them might lead to a conversation that could prevent a death.
Ask the question directly. You can say things like:
- “You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you’re feeling that way, too.”
- “You look pretty miserable. Are you thinking of suicide?”
- “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
If you can’t talk to the person, find someone who can.
Here is what not say:
- “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?”
- “You wouldn’t do something stupid like kill yourself, would you?”
- “Suicide is a dumb idea. You’re not thinking about suicide are you?”
How to talk with a suicidal person:
Provide hope and persuade them to stay alive. Listen and give them your full attention. Don’t rush to judgment and offer hope in any form. Then ask, “Will you let me get you some help?”
The best thing is to take the person directly to someone who can help: the emergency room, a behavioral health specialist, a school counselor, a priest or pastor, or the police.
If you’re feeling suicidal, tell somebody. Ask a friend or family member to hold onto firearms or pills until things improve. Talk to your doctor. Call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK or text “MT” to 741741.
Here are some Hi-Line resources:
- Northern Montana Hospital: (406) 265-2211
- Bullhook Community Health Center: (406) 395-4305
- Rocky Boy Health Center: (406) 395-4486
- Centers for Mental Health: (406) 265-9639
- Fort Belknap Hospital: (406) 353-3100
Email Paul Dragu at [email protected]
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