One of the goals of this blog is to provide
evidence-based information about adolescent mental health. Scientific evidence
helps us confirm truths and debunk myths. A recent BBC article looked at some Christmas myths debunked by
the British Medical
Journal. One of the myths the BMJ busted is the belief that suicides
are more common during the holiday season and winter months.
"The combined stresses
of family dysfunction, exacerbations in loneliness, and more depression over
the cold dark winter months are commonly thought to increase the number of
suicides," said Dr Vreeman. But, although the holidays may be difficult
for some, there is no good evidence to suggest a peak in suicides. Also people
are not more likely to commit suicide in the dark winter months - around the
world suicides peak in warmer months, the researchers said.
Some of the other myths debunked in the article were:
there's no cure for a hangover, eating late does not make you gain weight, and
sugar doesn't make you hyperactive.
~ D. Venn
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