Myth: Suicidal Behavior Peaks in Winter
Many believe that winter or holidays drive suicidal behavior, but that isn’t supported by research.
Fact: The Peak for Suicidal Behavior Is Spring
No conclusive reason has been identified, but spring is the peak of suicide. This holds true in both hemispheres. in the Northern Hemisphere starts in March; in the Southern Hemisphere, it starts in September. Suicide rates peak in spring regardless of when it starts.
Some attribute the myth to the Christmas holiday rather than winter. However, this isn’t supported in the research.
Learn More
Coming soon.
Evidence
Coming soon.
In Support of the Myth
None identified.
To Refute the Myth
"Seasonality of Suicidal Behavior" (2012)
Highly replicated but poorly understood.
Inclusive of mood disorders, we see the same pattern.
A book by Thomas Joiner that explores many myths.
“Adolescents ages 10-19 exhibited seasonal changes in suicides that increased from March to April and that also paralleled the school year. The same seasonal pattern was evident in males ages 20-24.”
Unclear or Mixed Support
The period of greatest ideation is in December. The time of day of greatest suicidal ideation is 4-6AM.
Learn more about suicide myths – and the truths behind them – by following the links below.