Suicides are notmore likely during the holiday season!
Did you know that suicides are not more common in the holiday season between November and January? The facts may surprise you. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the lowest number of suicides in the United States happens during the month of December, and this has been relatively consistent over the years1. The number of suicides is actually highest in the spring and fall.
Why do we think there is a causal relationship between suicide and the holidays? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by depressive symptoms2,3 – most often during the winter months - and is experienced by 4-6% of the population2. However, suicidal thoughts or behavior is one of several symptoms that can be indicative of SAD2,3. Many of us struggle to deal with the stress of fulfilling obligations and the expectations of this time of year. In the 1946 holiday classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve. To this day, about half of national new articles that make a direct connection between suicide and the holiday season will perpetuate the myth1. Researchers continue to look for trends in suicidal behavior in the hopes of finding factors that protect people from suicide and identifying the real warning signs, so that we can effectively help those who need help. Pervading myths misdirects our energies from better opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who are at risk for suicide. One established protective factor is “connectiveness” with a support system of friends, family, and neighbors4. Reach out to the people you care about and the people who care about you …not just during the holidays, but all year long. Sources: 1 Annenberg Public Policy Center. (December 8, 2010). Winter Holiday Suicide Myth Continues to be Reinforced in Press. http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/Downloads/Releases/ACI/Holiday%20Suicide%20release%202010.pdf 2 American Family Physician. (1998). Seasonal Affective Disorders. http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/980315e.html 3 Mayo Clinic. (2009). Seasonal Affective Disorder. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195 4 Kim Painter, USA Today. (November 29, 2009). Why the holiday suicide myth persists. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2009-11-30-blline30_ST_N.htm
StigmaHurts is part of the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County, NJ All comments and questions should be directed to mail@stigmahurts.com