Are we understanding and talking about suicide properly?

Can the way we talk about suicide help save lives or cause harm? This World Mental Health Day, RMIT University experts debunk three common misconceptions about suicide and explore how everyday media discourse about suicide shapes public understanding and action.

*Warning: This article discusses matters related to suicide. If you find this content distressing, please stop reading and, if needed, reach out for support via the hotlines at the end of this article.

Raising awareness about suicide and mental health is essential to building a more compassionate and informed community. Previously on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), RMIT psychologists called for a united effort to prevent suicide among adolescents by fostering love, understanding and support.

Continuing this conversation on World Mental Health Day (10 October), RMIT experts now aim to improve public literacy around suicide by discussing three common misconceptions and suggesting ways to talk about suicide responsibly, both online and offline.

Before reading on, you can take a quick test to discover whether you, like many others, hold common misconceptions about suicide. This test references the Literacy of Suicide Scale developed by Australian National University researchers. The scale was translated into Vietnamese and used in a recent study by Ms Vu Bich Phuong, Associate Lecturer in Psychology at RMIT Vietnam.

• Take the test in English: https://forms.office.com/r/1ubkkb91Qp
• Take the test in Vietnamese: https://forms.office.com/r/Bvm1z4Nqv0

The three most common misconception about suicide

#1 misconception: Women die by suicide more than men

Many people think women are more likely to die by suicide as they experience problems like depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation more often. However, statistics from the World Health Organization show that men die by suicide two to four times more often than women.

According to Ms Vu Bich Phuong, this “gender paradox” may complicate suicide prevention efforts if they are not fine-tuned to be gender-sensitive.

#2 misconception: The worse the symptoms are, the more one would seek help

It is often assumed that people would be more likely to seek help if their mental health problems are more severe. However, research led by Ms Phuong and international studies have shown that this is not the case.

Known as the “help-negation” phenomenon, people who struggle the most with suicidality and psychological distress often refuse, avoid, or withdraw from available support, including professional services, friends, and family.

“This happens because their cognitive decision-making process is highly impeded by their psychological state. Increasing hopelessness and cognitive distortions cloud their judgement, leading them to believe that seeking help won’t make a difference,” Ms Phuong explains.

#3 misconception: Talking about suicide will increase suicide risks

Many cultures avoid discussing suicide, fearing it increases risk. However, research has found no scientific evidence to support this belief. In fact, talking about suicide responsibly and sensitively can be a lifesaving way to support someone and help them get the care they need.

But… are we talking about suicide responsibly?

Talking about suicide will not increase the risks of actual suicide, but only if our talk is responsible and non-judgemental. “In the digital age where each individual is both a consumer and creator of media content, knowing how to discuss suicide is important for everyone,” Ms Phuong stresses.

Looking at the tragic events at some shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi this year, we can see examples of unsafe reporting practices. “Many news articles and social media content described the suicidal method in detail, published sensitive photos from the scene, revealed personal details of the deceased, and quoted suicide notes which may oversimplify the complex reasons behind the act,” says Ms Bui Tra My, a Foundation Studies teacher of Media and Communications at RMIT Vietnam. This issue has also been raised by other scholars.

“We may never fully understand what they have been through, so being non-judgemental is the least that we can do. We should offer compassion instead of criticism, to show those who are contemplating suicide that they are not stigmatised and should ask for help,” Ms Phuong adds.

Notably, the public’s response on social media reveals a negative discourse. Many comments expressed anger and blame towards the deceased, framing their actions as “selfish” and “inconsiderate”. “These reactions not only add to the grief of the bereaved families but also reinforce social stigma, making it harder for others who are struggling to seek help,” Ms My says. 

In addition, Ms My suggests that mass media coverage of suicide cases should not be too explicit or dramatised, to avoid the copycat effect where similar behaviours are repeated in the community. Sensational headlines or repetitive coverage over a long period may also backfire and increase the risk of future incidents.

“Another caveat is that most of the media reports did not include the most crucial piece of information – where to find help,” Ms My adds. Responsible and ethical reporting of suicide should provide clear and reliable information of available mental health services or hotlines for suicide. “This will help raise awareness of available help, making it more accessible to those struggling but don’t know where to lean on,” Ms Phuong says.

Recommendations for media consumers and creators

As responsible consumers and creators, we can reduce stigma around suicide and promote help-seeking behaviour, preventing future suicides. The RMIT educators have collated ten principles recommended by different agencies under the United Nations:

Five things to do:

1. Provide information on where to seek help in any discussion or report of suicide.

2. Share stories of hope and recovery and prioritise successful stories of coping with suicidal thoughts.

3. Educate the public by providing accurate facts about mental health and warning signs.

4. Protect the identity and dignity of the deceased and their families.

5. Be cautious and empathetic when sharing or commenting.

Five things not to do:

1. Do not use sensational headlines and make suicide news the top story by using clickbait language.

2. Do not describe the method or location in detail. This can unintentionally provide a guide for vulnerable individuals.

3. Do not report the content of a suicide note. This oversimplifies a complex issue and is an invasion of privacy.

4. Do not romanticise, normalise, glorify, or present suicide as a possible solution.

5. Do not share sensitive images or videos from the scene.

The RMIT educators believe that by collectively changing the way people talk about suicide, we can break the stigma and build a safer, more compassionate community where everyone feels empowered to seek help when they need it the most.

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If you experience significant distress or suicidal thoughts, call 115 for emergencies (nationwide), or 1900 1267 for help from the Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospital. For more sustainable support, reach out to mental health services at nearby hospitals and clinics.