The public perception is that the suicide rate increases every year at this time. Holiday depression is real. But the theory that the holidays are peak suicide season is a myth. In fact, just the opposite is true. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, since 2005, the suicide rate in the U.S. has been lowest in December and highest in the spring and fall.

A big reason for the holiday suicide myth is media coverage. According to a new report from the Annenberg Policy Center (AAPC), last year, the percentage of stories supporting the myth increased from 9% to 51%. Media support for the myth also seems to be running strong this year, says AAPC, citing a December 3 Matt Lauer interview on the “Today Show” and a skit involving the actor John Malkovich on “Saturday Night Live” three days later.

Media reporting that lends credence to the holiday suicide myth is more than just bad journalism. AAPC suggests that it validates feelings of holiday depression and suggests that suicide is an acceptable solution. For example, studies have shown that suicides tend to rise after news stories that sensationalize recent suicides.

Also troubling is the fact that reports that support the holiday suicide myth are a missed opportunity to educate the public about suicide and the mental disorders that cause it.

SOURCE: Annenberg Public Policy Center, Dec. 11, 2008, http://www.annenbergpublicpolicycenter.org/NewsDetails.aspx?myId=307

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