An increase in the rate of suicides around the holidays is unfortunate myth, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, the month of December actually boasts the lowest rate of suicides for the entire year.
It seems that the media has perpetuated this holiday suicide myth, according to The Annenberg Public Policy Center. Researchers from the center analyzed articles over the last 10 years and found that 40% of the articles continued to report the incorrect myth, even though national statistics clearly show the opposite trend.
It is important to remember that while suicide rates may be lower during the holiday months, suicides in children still occur. If you believe that your child is suicidal or thinking about harming herself, it is important to seek immediate treatment.
Suicide Risk Factors
Factors that may contribute to a child or teen's risk of suicide include:
- A family history of suicide
- Current depression or other mental illness
- Loss of a close family member, friend or classmate by suicide or other sudden death
- Threats or violence from peers
- Previous history of depression or other mental health illness
- Previous suicide attempts
- History of incarceration
Suicide Warning Signs
Signs of suicidal thoughts and behavior may be:
- Reckless behavior
- Frequent statements of self-harm
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Hopelessness about the future
- Giving away things of importance
If your child or someone else you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Sources:
David C. R. Kerr, Ph.D., Lee D. Owen, B.S., Katherine C. Pears, Ph.D., and Deborah M. Capaldi, Ph.D. "Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation Among Boys and Men Assessed Annually from Ages 9 to 29 Years." Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior. August 2008 38(4): 390-401.
Holiday Suicides: Fact or Myth? The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. Accessed: December 12, 2010. http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/suicide/holiday.html
Knowing The Warning Signs. American Association of Suicidology. Accessed: December 12, 2010. http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/stats-and-tools/warning-signs
Willow Larson. Holiday Suicide Myth. Psychology Today. November/December 2003; 36(6): 17.
