Thanks for wanting to learn more about our Myth Busting campaign, which we have created in collaboration with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBs) and Rethink Mental Illness.
The campaign exists to smash the stigma surrounding suicide and debunk some of the most prevalent myths surrounding the topic.
This project has been made possible through funding received by Rethink’s and North West London’s Integrated Care System’s Suicide Prevention Community Grant, which aims to provide financial support for a multitude of projects that are supporting the prevention of suicide.
This Myth Busting campaign focuses on North West London, as some boroughs within this region have suicide rates that are higher than the national average and are also home to a higher proportion of communities that are disproportionately affected, including ethnic minority groups and young people.
As all of our organisations operate within these boroughs, we wanted to undergo a joint endeavour to support one another, and the communities we serve in those areas, to address suicide prevention and bereavement, raise awareness of these issues and let those affected know where they can reach out to for support. This is why you have seen this poster in the very place that you found it.
To collect suicide myths that are reflective of North West London communities, we sent out an anonymous survey to people living, residing or studying in those areas so they could let us know which myths they encounter around the topic of suicide and would like to see debunked. We had a total of 96 respondents; the ten most prominent myths and their corresponding facts have been transformed into posters – at least one of which you have discovered today.
Our ten myths and facts
Myth one
If someone has a ‘good’ life, they can’t feel suicidal.
Anyone at any time in their life can experience thoughts of suicide, regardless of their situation.
Myth two
If you are having thoughts of suicide, you must be ‘mentally ill.’
Many people who experience thoughts of suicide do not have a diagnosed mental health condition.
Myth three
If I talk about suicide, it might put the idea in someone’s head.
Having safe conversations around suicide will not make someone suicidal, instead it lets them know you are a person they can reach out to for support.
Myth four
Men don’t reach out for support with thoughts of suicide.
We hear from lots of men who have bravely reached out for support.
Myth five
People bereaved by suicide don’t want to talk about their loved one.
Most bereaved people still want to share their memories of the loved one they have lost, and celebrate their lives.
Myth six
It’s obvious when someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide.
There are lots of different signs that someone may be suicidal, some are less easy to spot so it is always best to ask directly.
Myth seven
People who say they are suicidal are only ‘attention seeking’.
Telling someone you are experiencing suicidal thoughts takes a huge amount of courage and should always be taken seriously.
Myth eight
There’s a set time on grieving a loved one lost to suicide.
Bereavement is very personal to the individual and their journey is unique to them. This journey should be respected.
Myth nine
Suicide won’t affect me.
Suicide doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone at any time.
Myth ten
Only the family or friends of someone who’s died by suicide can be impacted by their death.
No matter how close you were to the person who died – if you need support with your feelings, they are valid and you are deserving of that care.
Further support
We understand that you may find the content of these posters distressing or they might trigger an experience you’ve had or are currently having related to suicide. It’s perfectly normal and valid to be feeling this way, and if you are, we are here to support you.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are concerned about a young person who might be, please do reach out to PAPYRUS’s suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, which is available any time, any day on 0800 068 4141
If you are grieving a loved one lost to suicide please do reach out to SoBs’s helpline which is open Monday & Tuesday 9am – 5pm: 0300 111 5065. Or to join your local peer support group, email: london@uksobs.org
More information
If you would generally like to know more about suicide prevention or are interested in getting some training to expand your knowledge, you can contact our England South team, here: englandsouth@papyrus-uk.org
If you want to know more about SoBs’s services or which of its peer support groups is closest to you, please do visit its website: https://uksobs.org/ or get in contact via email: volunteering@uksobs.org
If you’d like to find out more about Rethink’s services to support people with mental health conditions or concerns, please do visit its website: https://www.rethink.org/
Please do follow our social media accounts to stay up to date with our latest activities:
PAPYRUS
All of our PAPYRUS social media channels can be found at the bottom of our website.
SoBs
Instagram: @sobscharity
Twitter: @SOBScharity
Rethink
Instagram: @rethinkmentalillness
Tiktok: @rethinkmentalillness
Twitter: @rethink_
North West London Integrated Care System:
https://www.nwlondonicb.nhs.uk/
