Holiday suicide is a myth

As I was doing some research on suicides in preparation for the upcoming holiday season, I learned that the risk of suicide does not increase during the holiday season. I learned that holiday suicide is a myth!

The risk of suicide does not increase during the holiday season.

One of the problems with the holiday suicide myth is that the real cause of potential suicides might be overlooked. And just because suicide rates are lower during the holiday months does not mean people are not acting on suicidal thoughts at all.

The risk of suicide is often one of symptoms that can accompany anxiety, depression, or other mental illness. So if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, reach out for help. And, if you observe a person struggling with possible thoughts of suicide, reach out and don’t blame it on the holiday season.

Jeanne Rayphand
Legal counsel, Northern Marianas Protection
and Advocacy Systems Inc.