The holiday season is often associated with joy, festivities, and time spent with loved ones. However, one persistent myth that continues to circulate is the belief that suicides peak during this time of year. Despite efforts by mental health researchers and journalists to debunk this myth, it still holds a firm grasp on public perception.
A recent analysis conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center revealed that more newspaper accounts supported the false notion of an increase in suicides during the holidays than those that debunked it. Over the past 25 years, only a third of the years saw more debunking of the myth than support for it. This unwarranted association between the holiday season and suicide rates has proven to be challenging to dispel.
In the 2023–24 holiday season, 26 newspaper stories were found linking the holidays to suicide, with 58% upholding the myth and 42% debunking it. The perpetuation of this myth can be harmful, especially to vulnerable individuals contemplating suicide during the holidays.
It is not just the media that perpetuates this myth; well-meaning community figures and local publications also contribute to its propagation. Despite efforts to debunk the myth, the belief that suicide rates increase during the holidays remains deeply entrenched in society.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show that the months with the lowest average daily suicide rates are actually in the fall and winter, with November, December, and January having some of the lowest rates. In contrast, the months with the highest rates are typically in the summer.
Efforts to dispel the holiday-suicide myth are crucial in preventing potential contagion among vulnerable individuals. National recommendations for reporting on suicide advise journalists to consult reliable sources like the CDC and provide valuable resources for readers who may be in crisis.
Furthermore, awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, implemented as a three-digit nationwide phone number, remains low among the general population. Only 15% of U.S. adults are familiar with this lifeline, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education about mental health resources.
In conclusion, the holiday-suicide myth persists despite efforts to debunk it. By providing accurate information, promoting mental health resources, and raising awareness about the realities of suicide rates during the holidays, we can work towards dispelling this harmful misconception and supporting those in need during the holiday season and beyond.
