On the surface, this myth might seem pretty plausible. Here’s another myth you’ve probably come across: Suicide is a selfish act. Call 86 or text START to 678678 to reach a Trevor Project counselor for LGBTQIA+ youth.Text HOME to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line.Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.If you need someone to talk with during a moment of distress, trained, compassionate crisis counselors can listen and offer support with finding helpful ways to cope. These false beliefs further stigmatize people attempting to navigate overwhelming pain, making it even more difficult for them to reach out and get support. Other untruths about suicide remain far too prevalent. It’s important to recognize others’ feelings with compassion and to help them connect with potentially life-saving mental health services as appropriate. True, suicidal thoughts can be common, but experiencing these thoughts doesn’t necessarily mean someone intends to act on them. It’s also not the only way to put an end to mental and emotional distress. Some of the things people say about suicide are true.
