Festivities Foster Connections, Debunking the Myth of Increased Suicides During Holidays

TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Unwrapping the truth about mental health during the holidays.

We’re talking about the misconception that suicides go up during this time of year.

According to experts, that’s not the case.

Clinical Associate Professor Jonathan Kratz with OU-Tulsa says the number of suicides goes down during the festive season and the festivities may have something to do with it.

“The biggest message we have around this time of year is just what we’ve learned about the importance of connection and relationships when it comes to suicide prevention,” said Kratz.

Connections and relationships are gifts that become more attainable during the holidays as friends and families gather together.

A possible reason why the number of suicides goes down this time of year.

According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania, December of 2023 had the lowest number of suicide deaths that year, at an average of just over 123 per day.

“National data usually shows fewer attempts, fewer deaths during the month of December compared to almost every other month of the year,” said Kratz.

Kratz says while many people think there’s an uptick in suicide during the Christmas season, suicide rates usually go up in January.

“This idea that sort of after all of the gatherings and socialization and connection is sort of done, that that kind of has a return to sort of a darker place for a lot of folks,” said Kratz.

A good way to help with this is to stay in contact with the people in your life even after the holidays are over.

Helping people build connections is one of the first things Kratz would do as a clinical social worker for people at risk.

“One of the first things we look at in risk assessment is who are your people? Who are those people you turn to in a time of need? And oftentimes, a treatment plan for somebody in crisis literally is trying to increase their social capital and increase the number of people they’re connected to,” said Kratz.

Kratz says you don’t have people in your life, there are several different ways you can start trying to build those connections.

“Sometimes folks, you know, don’t have a family nearby or they don’t have that strong social connection group. And so, that’s a space where things like churches or other organized groups can really fill a gap for folks and sort of find that socialization,” said Kratz.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, call Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline at 988.