The Stigma of Suicide: Breaking Down Misconceptions and Stereotypes
What is the stigma behind suicide?
Stigma Definitions:
Stigma: "A mark that denotes a shameful quality in the individual so marked" or a quality that is considered to be shameful in a certain individual.
Social Stigma: "Prejudicial attitudes and discriminating behaviour directed towards individuals with mental health problems as a result of the psychiatric label they have been given."
Perceived Stigma/Self-Stigma: "Internalising by the mental health sufferer of their perceptions of discrimination." Source: Psychology Today
Myths
The stigma surrounding suicide can perpetuate problematic myths about suicide and individuals who die by suicide:
Asking someone about suicide may plant the idea in their minds.
People who experience thoughts of suicide are fully intent on dying.
Everyone who dies by suicide is depressed.
A sudden improvement in emotional state after a suicide attempt or a depressive period indicates the suicide risk is over.
Suicide is selfish or immoral.
What current factors contribute to stigma?
Family
Family members' relationship with a person may affect the extent to which the patient's stigma is transferred to family members. In extreme cases, family members may begin to stigmatise the person and behave in a way that leads the patient to believe suicide is the solution for the situation. A study also found that adolescents with mental health problems found stigma directed at them coming from family members. 46% of them described stigmatisation in terms of unwanted assumptions.
Teachers
In the same study mentioned above, 35% of adolescents reported stigma by teachers. These teachers would show "fear, dislike, avoidance, and underestimation of abilities" towards these students.
Peers
In the same study mentioned above, 62% of adolescents experienced stigmatisation from their peers. This stigmatisation leads to friendship losses and social rejection.
Media
The popular press has been criticised for perpetuating stereotypes, especially via film and social media. Film, television, and music portrayals of suicide perpetuate and glorify stereotypes that may lead to imitation acts. On social media sites such as TikTok, the exhibition of self-harm, suicide, depression, and self-loathing is placed under the pretext of something that is "beautiful, romantic, or deep."
This glorification of self-pity could lead to the drowning out of stories of those who are clinically depressed versus those who are not. While social media does allow for awareness on the topic and self-identification, misinformation about mental disorders are prevalent, leading to mental illness diagnoses, such as depression, for normal everyday things.
Why is the suicide stigma so damaging?
The stigma does not promote a healthy recovery:
In a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, 83% of participants felt conscious of the stigma associated with mental illness and had difficulty seeking help. Only 54% of participants had discussed their suicidal thoughts with their family, peers, and/or spouses.
The stigma negatively affects treatment outcomes:
The "perceived stigma can affect feelings of shame and can lead to poorer treatment outcomes" (Psychology Today).
The stigma negatively affects the perception of self and others:
Those with depression and schizophrenia were viewed as unpredictable and dangerous, and those people would be less likely to be employed.
What are the different ways to challenge the stigma?
Participate in a campaign that challenges the stigma:
Be vigilant for signs of suicidal thoughts and initiate a conversation. Act on your concerns, moving past any discomfort you may feel. Starting the dialogue and offering support can significantly impact someone in need. If you're concerned about someone you know, reach out to us anytime at SuicideLine Victoria: 1300 651 251. For immediate risk, call 000.
Raise your voice to dismantle the stigma. Those with lived experiences shouldn't bear the weight alone. Each of us can contribute to dismantling suicide stigma and discrimination, challenging prevailing myths.
Utilise safe, inclusive, and respectful language. The words we choose play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and beliefs about suicide. See our recent post on the Power of Language which offers a language guide to assist anyone communicating about suicide.
Reflect on your thought processes and understanding. Are they accurate? Can you approach discussions with greater sensitivity toward suicide stigma?
Demonstrate compassion for those facing struggles and treat everyone with respect.
Engage in campaigns or events challenging stigma. Suicide prevention initiatives like World Suicide Prevention Day, #YouCanTalk, and End Youth Suicide Week provide opportunities for involvement.
Report any media coverage perpetuating suicide stigma. SANE’s StigmaWatch advocates for responsible reporting of suicide in the Australian media, responding to inaccurate or inappropriate stigmatizing portrayals of suicide.
Guidelines:
Accept differences
Enable people to believe their own experiences, and not rely on stereotypes
Medicalising suicide may be partly useful, but the issue needs to extend beyond disease models
Start from what people know, not what you think they know
Be Aware of the Warning Signs
The longer the signs last, the more serious they are, and the more they interfere with daily life, the greater the chance that professional treatment is needed.
Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself
Looking for a way to kill oneself (ex: buying a gun)
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use of alcohol/drugs
Acting anxious/agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings
What can you do to help someone who is having thoughts of suicide?
If you suspect that someone may be having suicidal thoughts, you can play a crucial role by encouraging them to open up about their feelings. It's natural to feel uneasy discussing such intense emotions, and not knowing what to say is entirely normal. Here are some ways you can approach the conversation:
Express Care and Support:
Let them know that you genuinely care about them and that they are not alone.
Empathise:
Acknowledge that you may not fully comprehend their pain. Say something like, "I can't imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand."
Non-Judgmental Attitude:
Be non-judgmental; refrain from criticizing or blaming them for their feelings.
Active Listening:
Repeat their words back to them in your own words. This demonstrates that you are actively listening and ensures a clear understanding of their feelings.
Focus on Connections:
Shift the focus to people they care about and who care about them. Highlight the impact leaving loved ones behind may have.
Previous Experiences:
Ask if they have felt this way before and, if so, how their feelings changed last time.
Reassurance:
Provide reassurance that their current intense feelings won't last forever and that the intensity can diminish with time.
Day-to-Day Focus:
Encourage them to concentrate on getting through the day rather than fixating on the future.
Discussing a Plan:
Ask if they have a plan for ending their life and what it entails.
Encourage Professional Help:
Encourage seeking help from a doctor, counsellor, or mental health professional
Immediate Danger:
If they're in immediate danger, ensure someone stays with them.
Professional Help:
Assist them in seeking professional help.
Remember, you don't need to have all the answers or completely understand their feelings. Listening attentively conveys your care and concern. If they're not ready to talk, reassure them that you're there for them when they are ready. Demonstrating your availability can be immensely supportive.
If uncertain, ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts. It's often better to address their feelings directly than to avoid them. Asking about suicide doesn't increase the likelihood of someone acting on it, and it may provide them with relief.
What won't usually help someone who is feeling suicidal?
When someone confides that they're feeling suicidal, avoid responses such as:
Trying to find an immediate solution to their problems
Telling them to 'cheer up,' 'pull themselves together,' 'man up,' or 'snap out of it'
Changing the subject or giving advice
Distracting them with unrelated questions
Minimizing the seriousness of their feelings
Comparing their situation to someone else's
Downplaying their emotions or telling them they shouldn't feel that way
Offering unsolicited personal experiences or advice
Dismissing their feelings as silly or unimportant
Such responses are unlikely to be helpful and may make the person feel small, rejected, unheard, guilty, or criticized. Instead, reassurance, respect, and support contribute to a more positive recovery experience.
If they’re in immediate danger of taking their own life:
call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance
call or chat online to Lifeline (13 11 14) or
Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) - free, confidential 24/7 counselling services. No problem is too big or too small.