Beyond the myths: Understanding suicide and how it can be prevented

MANILA — Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among Filipinos aged 15-29 years old, according to the Department of Health. 

Data from DOH shows that in 2022, over 3,100 deaths by suicide were recorded or almost nine individuals per day. 

Suicide is not unique to the Philippines. Globally, more than 700,000 people die every year by suicide, with 77 percent of cases belonging to low and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization.

The reality and gravity of suicide, health experts say, should be taken seriously and with utmost sensitivity, especially in terms of communicating such incidents to the public. 

The DOH has identified several myths surrounding suicide and offered ways at how public discourse can still happen without contributing to stigma and encouraging the possibility of copycat incidents or what professionals refer to as the Werther effect.

Myth 1: Talking about suicide with someone who is suicidal is a bad idea and can be interpreted as encouragement.

Reality: Talking about suicide is also a way for one person to help another explore available options and eventually prevent a suicide attempt. 

Myth 2: Someone who is suicidal is determined to die. 

Reality: Someone suicidal may actually be ambivalent about living or dying. It therefore becomes extremely important to talk to that individual and provide them access to support that can prevent suicide. 

Myth 3: Most suicides happen suddenly, without warning. 

Reality: Most suicides are preceded by warning signs. Jason Roque, Officer-In-Charge of the Health Literacy and Behavior Change Division of the DOH’s Health Promotion Bureau, said the warning signs can be spotted in an individual’s words, feelings and actions. 

“Yung mga salita na hopelessness, yung lack of worth sa sarili nila, wanting to die, and even asking about suicide methods. So ito yung mga warning signs na binabantayan natin. When it comes to feelings, ito yung mga severe sadness, yung mga mood swings, unexpected rage, yung mga bigla-bigla ang nagagalit, and even yung loss of interest,” he said. 

Withdrawing from everyday activities and isolating one’s self from family and friends can also be seen as warning signs. 

Myth 4: Once someone is suicidal, they remain suicidal.

Reality: Hightened suicide is short-term and specific to a situation. Suicidal thoughts are not permanent. 

Myth 5: Suicide is an appropriate means of coping with problems. 

Reality: Self-harm and suicide are never a constructive means of coping with life’s challenges and problems. 

Myth 6: Only people with mental disorders are suicidal.

Reality: Suicidal behavior indicates deep unhappiness but not necessarily a mental disorder. Health experts reiterate that individuals with suicidal ideations should feel that they are never alone. It is also imperative for them to be guided to seek help through crisis hotlines and groups that promote mental well-being. 

“Parents, teachers, friends, not to be afraid to talk about suicide with people who might be considering it or might be showing some of the signs,” said Olivia Davies, Deputy Representative of the World Health Organization to the Philippines. 

“Do not just leave it until you’re seeing warning signs. That we need to be proactive in talking to young people and talking to people in our families, in our communities, in our workplaces. So we’re not waiting until we get to crisis point.”

Myth 7: Suicidal behavior is easy to explain.

Reality: Suicide is complex and can never be explained in a simplistic way. 

Understanding suicide as a complex issue does not mean that it cannot be prevented. Rather, it underscores the need to look beyond a single cause or a single warning sign and to recognize the social, psychological, and environmental factors that can push a person into crisis.

For health experts, prevention should not begin only when someone is already at the point of attempting suicide. It also means creating communities where people can speak about distress without fear of judgment, where warning signs are recognized early, and where professional help is accessible when it is needed.

It is also important to understand that talking about suicide requires care. Stories about suicide should inform without sensationalizing, avoid unnecessary details about methods or circumstances, and most importantly, remind people that suicidal thoughts can change and that help is available.

If you know someone who is going through a mental health crisis or emotional distress, help is available 24/7 with the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 or 0919-0571553.