~"For we are God's masterpiece," Ephesian 2:10~

Myth vs Fact

 

There are many erroneous beliefs about suicide and people who attempt suicide. These false beliefs are deeply harmful to suicidal individuals and the people that love them. Please read the information below to correct myths that you may believe about yourself and/or others: 

Myth: 

People who say they are suicidal are just trying to get attention in a negative way.

 

Fact: 

When someone says they are suicidal it must be taken seriously. It is a clear indication that something is severely wrong and that person needs immediate help. Even if someone has said they were suicidal before, it must be taken seriously every time. The steps towards a suicide attempt can be numerous, and each suicidal statement is a strong indication that something is wrong. 

The idea that “people only say they want to commit suicide to get attention” is a lie of the devil. The truth is the person is in crisis and in need of loving support and assistance. 

~ ****** ~

Myth: 

“Suicide is selfish.”

The person attempting suicide is only thinking about their own pain and not considering how their death will hurt others.

 

Fact: 

People who become suicidal are experiencing deep, emotional pain and distress and are not getting relief from it. Their pain, which is invisible to others, becomes unbearable, despite their attempts to resolve it. So much so, that  they begin to believe their death won’t matter, and/or, believe there is no better solution.

For example, an addict may believe their death will release their family from the burden of their addiction, and therefore make everyone’s life easier. Or, a teenager in distress may believe their parents are so angry with them that they stopped loving them, and their parents will be relieved if they are dead and gone.

People in deep despair rarely understand how much pain and suffering they will cause their family;

they are blinded to this reality.

~ ****** ~

Myth: 

Christians will never commit suicide because they have God’s hope and the power of the Holy Spirit. If they do attempt suicide, they probably weren’t true Christians. 

 

Fact: 

While it is true that Christians have much hope and strength in Christ (powerful weapons against the Enemy), Christians are not exempt from suicidal thoughts and actions. In fact, they are often targeted by Satan, especially those individuals or families who are actively spreading the The Gospel. Satan wants to destroy all human beings, but  specifically targets effective Christians who are interfering with his plans. 

The devil will create focused attacks of deceptions, bullying, illnesses, losses, financial destructions, etc. in order to stop or destroy them. This is called Spiritual Warfare. Please read more about it here. 


~ ****** ~

Myth: 

Christians who commit suicide will go to Hell. 

 

Fact: 

Once someone genuinely repents and accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are saved from Hell, and this salvation cannot and will not be taken from them. 

God’s truth from the Bible tells us: 

“... neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)

and 

“I (Jesus) give them eternal life , and they will never perish (go to Hell). No one will snatch them out of my hand”. 

(John 10:28 CSB) 

Once we become a Child of God, we are always a Child of God, and He will never let us go. 

 Jesus Christ has died for our sins, once and for all. That means any and all of our sins have already been fully paid for by Jesus Christ when He was punished on the cross for them. 

 

~ ****** ~

Myth:

“People who commit suicide are weak and unable to handle the stress of life, like everyone else has to.” 

 

Fact:

People experiencing suicidal thoughts are often carrying burdens far greater than others can see.

We can never fully know the range of challenges someone is facing — emotionally, mentally, or physically. There are often hidden factors, such as undiagnosed medical conditions, medication side effects, and emotional or physical abuse that can greatly intensify their struggle. It’s not a matter of weakness; rather, their thought processes are being attacked by  multiple, overwhelming factors. When the mind is under that kind of pressure, even the strongest people can feel as though there’s no way out. 

It is the distorted thoughts, planted by the Enemy, that channel their thoughts into a deadly direction.


~ ****** ~

Dr. Paul Quinnett, a psychologist dedicated to preventing suicide,  lists the following valuable Myths vs. Truths on his website, http://qprinstitute.com:


~ ****** ~

Myth

No one person can prevent a suicide.

 

Fact:  

If people in crisis get the help they need, they will probably never be suicidal again.


~ ****** ~

Myth:

 

Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increase the risk of suicide.

 

 Fact:  

Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication, and lowers the risk of an impulsive act (Quinnett n.d.). Many people are willing to talk when they know someone genuinely cares. 


~ ****** ~

Myth:

Only experts can prevent suicide.

 Fact:  

Suicide prevention is everybody’s business , and anyone can help the prevent the tragedy of suicide. The first person to hear that a person is suicidal is often the best one to intervene and show love and care for that person. 

 


~ ****** ~

Myth:

Once a person decides to die by suicide, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.

 Fact:  

Suicide is the most preventable kind of death, and almost any positive action may save a life. 

 

 


~ ****** ~

Myth:

Most suicidal people keep their plans to themselves.

 Fact:  

Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometime during the week preceding their attempt (Quinnett, n.d.). However, some people who are very intent on taking their lives will keep it to themselves, to prevent someone stopping them. However, if someone shows true compassion, they will open up in places that feel safe to them. 

 


~ ****** ~

Source: 

Quinnett, Paul, “About QPR.” QPR Institute. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://qprinstitute.com/about-qpr.

Are you considering suicide? Please click here!
Home » Myth vs. Fact Regarding Suicide
Myths vs. Facts Regarding Suicide

Pages


Christian Myth vs. Fact, Suicide
Home » Myth vs. Fact Regarding Suicide