A message from Dr. William Beecroft, medical director of behavioral health
7 myths about suicide can prevent people from getting the help they need

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has declared September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,* a good time to redouble our efforts to combat this public health crisis.

There are many myths about suicide that can stand in the way of people getting the help they need when they’re experiencing a mental health crisis.

Myth No. 1: You must be depressed to attempt suicide.

• Not true. A mental health condition, such as depression, is a risk factor, but people without any preexisting condition sometimes die by suicide.

Myth No. 2: Suicide attempts are made to get attention.

• Not true. People attempt suicide because they don’t feel they have an alternative option and don’t see a path forward.

Myth No. 3: “Normal” people don’t commit suicide.

• Not true. Anyone confronted with a situation that seems insurmountable may die by suicide.

Myth No. 4: You can tell when someone is at risk for suicide as it only happens after someone has experienced severe stress.

• Not true. Someone who can’t arrive at a solution to a particular issue can plan to kill themselves while appearing fine externally.

Myth No. 5: Kids don’t kill themselves.

• Not true. Kids do kill themselves, and it’s sometimes inadvertent — the result of unsecured guns or prescription medication that’s too easy to access. Also, some children have concerns that adults think are trivial but that kids think are insurmountable. Social media can contribute to those concerns.

Myth No. 6: People who overdose on drugs don’t really want to die.

• Not true. Many people who overdose actually do want to die.

Myth No. 7: If someone wants to kill themselves, you can’t stop them.

• Not true, although many people successfully hide the intent to die, making it more difficult to give them timely help. Just listening, being compassionate and asking questions about their thoughts can often be enough to convince someone to seek care. In rare instances, a person may need to be committed to a psychiatric hospital against their will.

Warning signs

While recognizing these myths is important, it’s even more important to recognize some of the signs that a person may be planning to take their own life. These include:

• Giving away possessions
• Saying goodbyes with a sense of finality
• Stockpiling drugs or securing a weapon
• Obsession with death
• Dramatic changes in mood or behavior — even being “too happy”
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• A sense of hopelessness
• Withdrawing from people and activities

Care options and resources

As reported in a September Record article, 48,283 people died by suicide in 2021. That equates to one death every 11 minutes.

Recognizing the severity of this public health crisis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has implemented several new programs, resources and care options over the past few years to help ensure people get treatment at the right time in the right place. Care options include our crisis services program, which continues to grow.

This program currently features eight facilities in Michigan that offer the following types of services:

• Psychiatric urgent care
• Mobile crisis services
• On-site crisis stabilization services
• Residential crisis treatment

For details, see this flyer. You’re welcome to print it and share it with your patients.

Another good resource, targeted to our members, is our behavioral health website at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth. It offers an overview of many of the ways we’re offering support and guidance to our members.

Physician Consultation Line

Last but not least, I wanted to make you aware of the Physician Consultation Line at 1-877-233-3262. This is a number that health care providers can call if they want to talk about care options for a patient with mental health or substance use disorder conditions.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.