Do Suicides Increase During the Holidays? In a Word, No.

Tuesday, January 1, 2002

There is a widespread myth that suicide rates increase in and around Christmas and New Year's Eve. This myth has gained a lot of currency because it is frequently repeated in news stories about Christmas. In fact, the month of December actually tends to have fewer suicides than any other month of the year.

In a press release on the topic, the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign noted that "November and December rank the lowest in daily rates of suicide." In the United States, it is April -- not December -- that is usually the peak month for suicides.

Despite that, the myth about December suicides is so pervasive that the NMHAC cites a University of Pennsylvania study that found that "two out of three newspaper stories incorrectly link suicides to the holidays or create a direct relationship between the holidays and suicides."

Source:

Popular myth says suicides increase during holidays, facts prove contrary; NMHAC says talking with teens year round may actually save lives. National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, PRNews Press Release, December 21, 2001.

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