Debunking Myths About Suicide and Suicide Prevention

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, mental health advocate Mark Henick helps us break down the dangerous myths and misconceptions about suicide. With compassion and clarity, Mark explains why stigma, silence, and misinformation prevent people from getting the support they need — and how understanding the facts about suicide prevention can save lives.

We discuss harmful beliefs such as “suicide is selfish” or “you can’t stop someone who really wants to die” and replace them with the truth: suicide is preventable, warning signs are real, and simple acts of connection can make a difference.

This episode is for anyone touched by suicide who wants to know what’s true, what’s false, and how to help someone in crisis.

Mark's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1QoyTmeAYw

Mark's book: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/so-called-normal_mark-henick/28860899/#edition=32308913&idiq=53531887

The website Anita mentioned: https://seizetheawkward.org/

Primary Topics Covered:

• Why most suicidal people don’t actually want to die—they want relief from pain
• The myth that suicide is selfish (and why people often believe they’re a burden)
• Why warning signs are usually present, even if subtle or hidden
• The truth about impulsivity and suicide attempts
• Why previous attempts must be taken seriously, not dismissed
• The harm of calling suicidal thoughts or behaviors “attention-seeking”
• How interventions—sometimes as simple as conversation—can save lives
• Why education, empathy, and persistence are critical for prevention

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
 01:10 Why the word “suicide” draws attention, but prevention is overlooked
 01:57 Guest introduction: Mark Henick, survivor and advocate
 02:35 Setting the stage: common myths about suicide
 03:07 Myth 1 – People who are suicidal really want to die
 04:05 Depression’s role in narrowing life perspective
 05:01 Why suicidal thoughts often mean “I don’t want to live like this”
 06:42 Myth 2 – Suicide is a selfish act
 07:01 Survivor perspective: believing loved ones would be better off without you
 08:27 Why loved ones may struggle to notice signs in someone close
 10:46 How denial and self-protection keep families from seeing the risk
 11:53 Myth 3 – Suicide happens without warning
 12:02 Signs that are often missed, hidden, or misunderstood
 13:45 The role of impulsivity and unconscious planning
 16:06 Why prevention must start upstream, before crisis
 18:03 Myth 4 – Previous attempts mean someone isn’t serious
 18:19 Why prior attempts are the strongest predictor of future risk
 19:21 Myth 5 – Talking about suicide is just attention-seeking
 20:00 Why suicidal communication is a fight for life, not drama
 22:52 How lack of compassion and misunderstanding silence cries for help
 23:54 Myth 6 – You can’t stop someone who really wants to die
 24:54 Why interventions, connection, and crisis support do work
25:15 Final reflections: persistence, empathy, and taking action

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