Suicide Prevention Month: Does Talking About Suicide Make It Worse?

Written By Courtney Thurston

Content Warning: This post discusses topics related to mental health, including depression and suicide. If these subjects feel triggering, please take care while reading and step away if needed. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 in the U.S. for immediate support.

Peaceful lake in fall, representing reflection and mental wellness for Suicide Prevention Month. Virtual therapy available in Jackson, MI through Create Wellness Counseling

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s important to normalize that suicidal thoughts happen to many people, and having a month dedicated to raising awareness about suicide prevention benefits everyone. You cannot always tell if someone is struggling with depression or experiencing suicidal thoughts just by looking at them. By openly discussing suicide during this month, we can help people become more aware of their own mental health and the mental health of those around them.

One common myth about suicide is that talking about it makes it worse. In reality, this is far from true. Open conversations about suicide can help someone feel less isolated, gain support, and discuss coping strategies until those thoughts become less intense. Encouraging dialogue can be a crucial step in suicide prevention and mental health support.

The Myth: Talking About Suicide Makes It Worse

Two people talking during a counseling session, promoting suicide prevention and online counseling in Jackson, MI with Create Wellness Counseling

You may know someone who has been more down than usual or isolating themselves more than ever. You might be thinking, “I’m worried they’re depressed. What if they’re thinking about hurting themselves? I shouldn’t ask — it might put the idea in their head.” Many people believe that talking about suicide with someone who appears depressed will make them consider it more. In reality, suicide is not caused by having a conversation about it. It’s natural to want to avoid the topic out of fear, but checking in on someone’s mental health and talking openly about suicide can actually help them feel supported, less alone, and more willing to seek help.

What Research Actually Shows

Research has shown that talking about suicide with someone does not increase their risk—in fact, it can actually reduce it. Open conversations about suicide can help someone share what’s going on in their mental health, explore coping strategies, and develop a plan to seek treatment or support. The stigma around suicidal thoughts often prevents people from bringing up their experiences, so simply opening the conversation can be a huge relief. It’s also important to remember that experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point is more common than many realize. According to the CDC, from 2016–2020, 15.6% of people in the United States reported experiencing suicidal ideation at some point in their lifetime—and that number only reflects reported cases.

Why Talking About Suicide Matters

Person standing alone reflecting, representing depression and virtual therapy support in Jackson, MI with Create Wellness Counseling.

Talking about suicide helps reduce the stigma for those who experience suicidal thoughts. It allows people to feel less alone in what they are going through and better supported by the people around them. Open conversations can also create opportunities to access professional help, such as therapy or medication, and reinforce that having suicidal thoughts does not need to be a secret.

Many people fear they will be hospitalized immediately if they share that they are having suicidal thoughts. In reality, seeking help for suicidal ideation usually involves a healthcare provider assessing the level of risk and collaborating on a treatment plan. Depending on the assessed risk, the plan may sometimes include hospitalization, but this is not automatic.

Some individuals experience suicidal thoughts at a baseline level without being at imminent risk of harming themselves. These thoughts are often passive, such as “I wish I didn’t wake up today” or “I would really like to run away.” In these cases, there is typically no intent or plan to act on the thoughts. Nevertheless, discussing suicidal thoughts can be an important step toward getting support, developing coping strategies, and connecting with mental health resources.

How to Talk About Suicide Safely

Now that we know it’s okay to talk about suicide, how can we approach the conversation compassionately?

  • Be Direct, But Compassionate
    When checking in with someone about suicidal thoughts, it’s more helpful to be direct while showing care. For example, you might say:

  • “Are you thinking about suicide?”

  • “Have you been having thoughts about suicide?”

Being straightforward communicates concern and opens the door for honest conversation.

  • Listen More Than You Talk
    Your goal is to help the person feel heard and supported. It can be difficult to hear that someone you care about is experiencing these thoughts and feelings, but it’s important to offer a non-judgmental space for them to share.

  • Don’t Try to Fix It Right Away
    People experiencing suicidal thoughts are not “broken.” Part of providing support is listening and responding to what they need in the moment, rather than immediately trying to solve the problem.

  • Encourage Professional Help or Crisis Support
    After listening, gently suggest that it may be helpful for them to seek professional help or crisis resources. Sometimes people need that encouragement to make a first appointment or reach out when they are feeling very low. Sharing mental health resources, therapy options, or crisis lines can make it easier for them to take the next step. (Check out my blog on Crisis Support call lines)

When to Seek Immediate Help

Two people talking in a public space, representing suicide prevention and online counseling support in Jackson, MI with Create Wellness Counseling.

If you are checking in with someone about suicidal thoughts, you might wonder, “How do I know when this is severe enough that they need immediate help?” Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Do They Have a Plan?
    Ask the person if they have a plan to carry out suicide. If they say yes, you can gently ask for details about the plan. Having a specific plan indicates a higher level of suicidal ideation, and it’s important to work with the person to get immediate support.

  • Intent
    Intent refers to whether the person has thoughts about actually following through on a plan or is actively developing one. Comments or statements indicating intent are a serious signal that immediate help may be needed.

How to Get Immediate Help

Immediate help can include:

Recognizing these warning signs and knowing how to respond can save lives and provide the person with the support they need.

Virtual Therapy for Depression in Michigan

Create Wellness Counseling provides outpatient mental health support through virtual therapy. I offer a safe, supportive space for adults navigating challenges such as depression, including experiences of suicidal thoughts.

Laptop and coffee cup on a table, representing depression support through telehealth therapy in Jackson, MI with Create Wellness Counseling.

Outpatient telehealth care is tailored to the level of support that is appropriate for each individual, but it is not intended for emergent mental health needs due to the lack of in-person assessment and immediate crisis care. If you are experiencing a higher level of suicidal ideation, more intensive treatment—such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)—may be recommended.

With virtual therapy, you can receive care from the comfort of your own home, and together we will develop a plan to improve your mental health and well-being. If you’re searching for a therapist in Jackson, MI or considering counseling in Michigan, Create Wellness Counseling is here to help.

Resources

Courtney Thurston
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