Holiday Suicide Myth Debunked
One of the goals of this blog is to provide evidence-based information about adolescent mental health. Scientific evidence helps us confirm truths and debunk myths.
A recent BBC article looked at some Christmas myths debunked by the British Medical Journal. One of the myths the BMJ busted is the belief that suicides are more common during the holiday season and winter months.
“The combined stresses of family dysfunction, exacerbations in loneliness, and more depression over the cold dark winter months are commonly thought to increase the number of suicides,” said Dr Vreeman.
But, although the holidays may be difficult for some, there is no good evidence to suggest a peak in suicides.
Also people are not more likely to commit suicide in the dark winter months - around the world suicides peak in warmer months, the researchers said.
Some of the other myths debunked in the article were: there’s no cure for a hangover, eating late does not make you gain weight, and sugar doesn’t make you hyperactive.
~ D. Venn
January 4th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I work with teenagers in my practice and find that they often ride the ‘pink cloud’ of the holidays until they have to go back to school; either high school or college. Many of them have decreased pressures while they are out of school. These pressures may include studying, peer pressures, and parent expectations. I have found that the symptoms of depression associated with thoughts of suicide increase when they are required to return to school after the holidays. I commonly find that maladaptive coping skills and lack of a healthy support system do not allow them to effectively manage the pressures and expectations of school and relationships. In general, when real or perceived expectations increase this is when suicidal thoughts and acts of suicide increase for those individuals dealing with depression or mood disorders. This may include seasonal changes, life transitions, and the loss of a best friend.