No, addressing suicide is not easy but perhaps the fear of talking about suicide stems from the many myths that surround it. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, here are five common myths about suicide:

MYTH #1: Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition. Many people with mental health issues are not affected by suicidal thoughts and conversely many people who attempt or complete suicide have never had a mental health issue. Sometimes major life changes such as relationship changes, financial struggles, loss of a loved one, legal problems or a debilitating illness, for example, drive suicidal tendencies.

MYTH #2: Once an individual is suicidal, he/she will always remain suicidal. Believe it or not, suicidal thoughts are often short-term and usually tied to a certain situation, a reaction to an emotion or experience. Mental health treatment can help reduce suicidal thoughts and individuals who have had suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide can go on to lead happy, healthy lives.

MYTH #3: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning. Actually, most victims show signs well before they turn to suicide. Sometimes those signs are only shown to close loved ones who may be too close to the situation to recognize what is going on. It is important to know the warning signs of suicide.

MYTH #4: People who die by suicide are selfish and take the easy way out. People who suffer from suicidal tendencies or who have taken their life by suicide are not actually trying to escape living; they are trying to end their pain. They are not choosing to turn to suicide, thinking only of themselves, but rather suffering from severe hopelessness and helplessness.

MYTH #5: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide. Talking about suicide actually reduces the stigma surrounding suicide and encourages those suffering to get help. Talking also encourages those suffering to share their story and know that they are not alone.