We hear often that suicides rise around the holidays. It turns out that it is a little more complicated than that.
"That's just kind of a myth that started a long time ago," said Sherrard Crespo, a licensed professional social worker and vice president with ViaLink, which provides 988 crisis hotline services for Louisiana.
Crespo says what likely happens around this time of year is people in crisis start thinking about taking their own lives.
"If we're talking about thoughts of suicide, or suicide ideation, those might still be their during the holidays and in fact might be increasing," she said, noting that is why listening now is important.
"Nobody has to get to that point," she said. "If we can end the stigmatization around suicide where people feel comfortable reaching out and other people really feel comfortable listening."
Crespo said that's why calling 988 is a valuable resource.
"You do not have to be in crisis. You do not even have to be ready to talk about your thoughts of suicide when you call. We are there for whatever you are going through," she said.
