The holiday season is a time for family and friends to come together, maybe under the storm of seasonal depression. Photo courtesy of opinion editor Jane Culbreath.
Most San Luis Obispo High School students incorrectly believe that suicides occur more during the holidays than the rest of the year.
Contrary to popular belief, most suicides are committed during the spring and winter; yet reporters are guilty of further spreading this false assumption that the CDC has tried to crush.
Almost two thirds of publications containing suicides and holidays in the same article incorrectly connected them.
“I do think [that more suicides are committed during the holidays] because the holidays are a time when people, family, and friends come together, and I think that it could be a trying time for people who have lost that, or didn’t even have that in the beginning,” said an anonymous freshman.
So where did this idea come from?
The answer to this question takes us all the way back to 1946, when the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” was released. The plot of this movie revolves around a man contemplating suicide around Christmas. Although this may seem like a sad movie, the reality behind this paints suicide very differently then what suicide and suicidality look like in real life.
“I thought that more suicides were committed during the holiday season because I’ve just heard that in movies and articles. I guess it kind of makes sense because people would get more lonely if they didn’t have someone to spend the holiday with,” said sophomore Addi Woods.
The holiday season can actually relieve some sorts of suicidal thoughts. Fun decorations, sparkling lights, and family get-togethers can all contribute to this factor. This can help lift people’s spirits, help people through hard times, and bring people together.
All this being said, it’s important to realize that just because there aren’t as many suicides in winter months, suicides still happen. Be sure to look out for loved ones, and make an effort to invite people that don’t have any family.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you can text a tip at (805)-646-3539 or call the suicide hotline at 988.
Happy holidays and look out for each other, Tigers!
Sources: cdc.gov, healthline.com
