# The Enduring Myth of Holiday Suicide Peaks: Examining Reality vs. Misconceptions
For years, a widespread belief has permeated public discussions: the notion that suicide rates reach their highest point during the holiday season at the end of the year. Even with significant research disproving this notion, it continues to strongly influence public and media narratives. A 2023 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) at the University of Pennsylvania reiterates this lasting misconception, emphasizing the risks associated with misinformation and the need for responsible journalism.
## The Enduring Myth in Media and Public Understanding
During the 2023–24 holiday period, an analysis of media reporting revealed that 58% of newspaper articles perpetuated the erroneous connection between the holiday season and suicide rates, while just 42% aimed to refute it. This trend aligns with patterns observed over the last quarter of a century: in merely one-third of those years, efforts to debunk the myth have been more prominent than those supporting it.
Dan Romer, research director at APPC, highlights the concerning consequences of this trend. “The stubbornness of this myth indicates that its grip on the public’s psyche is hard to shake off,” he remarked. “Endorsing the myth serves no constructive purpose and may adversely affect vulnerable individuals who are struggling and contemplating suicide during the holiday season.”
This view resonates with broader public beliefs. A 2023 nationally representative survey identified that 80% of adults incorrectly believed that December had the highest suicide rates, contradicting what the data consistently demonstrate.
### Media Illustrations: Propagating or Correcting the Myth
The impact of this myth is seen in numerous well-intentioned but incorrect media stories. For example:
– **The Denver Post** (Dec. 8, 2023): A report linked a series of murder-suicides to the holiday season, quoting a social services representative who attributed these incidents, in part, to this time of year.
– **The Advertiser-Gleam** (Nov. 28, 2023): A columnist mentioned a misconception that suicide rates increase during holidays due to emotional losses heightened by end-of-year contemplation.
– **Northern Sentry**, Minot Air Force Base (Dec. 1, 2023): A report associated the deaths of three airmen with holiday vulnerabilities, misleadingly suggesting that suicide rates rise seasonally.
In contrast, numerous instances highlighted diligent journalism efforts to counter the myth:
– **New Pittsburgh Courier** (Dec. 21, 2023): Covering holiday blues, the publication showcased expert psychologists debunking the link between holiday festivities and suicide rates, while stressing the importance of avoiding sensationalism around suicide.
– **Grand Island Independent** (Dec. 9, 2023): A column referred to findings from the Mayo Clinic indicating that suicide rates do not elevate during the holiday period but recognized the heightened levels of stress and depression, providing coping mechanisms.
These divergent instances emphasize the ongoing struggle between misinformation and factual reporting.
## The Truth: Data on Seasonal Suicide Trends
In opposition to common belief, statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that the months of **November, December, and January** consistently show the **lowest average daily suicide rates**. In 2023:
– December was ranked **12th** (lowest) among the months,
– November was ranked **11th**, and
– January was ranked **5th**.
Conversely, the highest suicide rates are seen in **summer months** such as **August (1st)** and **July (2nd)**. Psychological studies propose that longer daylight hours, elevated social expectations, and increased activity during summer could correlate with the higher rates observed.
Interestingly, this seasonal pattern also appears in the Southern Hemisphere, where winter months similarly exhibit lower suicide rates. For instance, an analysis conducted by APPC’s Dan Romer determined that June—Australia’s counterpart to early winter—regularly has the lowest suicide rates in that region.
### Why Winter Is Misconstrued
Part of the misunderstanding arises from emotional and psychological associations tied to winter. **Shorter days**, **colder temperatures**, and a heightened occurrence of “holiday blues” lead to the belief that winter poses more emotional challenges for many. Although it is accurate that stress, isolation, and financial pressures may increase during the holidays, this does **not** translate to heightened suicide rates. Researchers emphasize the need to distinguish between **seasonal depression** and actual suicide risk.
Accurate information is vital. As Romer stated, “There’s no need to convey the false impression that others are dying by suicide, as that could potentially lead to contagion.”
## The Obligations of Journalists and Media Outlets
To counter the harmful myths related to suicide, the media play an essential role in fostering accurate narratives. National guidelines for suicide reporting—accessible at [ReportingOnSuicide.org](https://reportingonsuicide.org/)—