Myths vs Facts

Discussing suicide may cause someone to consider it or make things worse.

Asking someone if they’re suicidal will never give them an idea that they haven’t thought about already. Most suicidal people are truthful and relieved when questioned about their feelings and intentions. Doing so can be the first step in helping them to choose to live.

People who talk about suicide are only trying to get attention.

WRONG! Few people commit suicide without first letting someone else know how they feel. Those who are considering suicide give clues and warnings as a cry for help. In fact, most seek out someone to rescue them.

Suicide can’t be prevented.

Suicide is preventable but complex and unpredictable. Those experiencing suicidality often have a variety of factors interacting such as intense emotional pain, hopelessness, decreased rational thinking, major losses or stressors, etc. Suicidality can be prevented through timely and quality intervention.

People who take their own lives are selfish, weak, or cowardly.

People who die by suicide are not choosing to die — they see no other way to end their overwhelming pain. Individuals that take their own lives often experience a combination of complex struggles with seemingly no solution or have tried asking for help but don’t receive it in an effective or timely manner. In addition, many people experiencing suicidality also experience psychiatric illnesses and substance use, which affect the brain. Most suicidal people desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems.

People who die from suicide don't warn others.

Eight out of 10 people who kill themselves have given definite clues to their intentions. They leave numerous clues and warnings to others, although some of their clues may be nonverbal or difficult to detect. There are almost always warning signs, but others are often unaware of the significance of the warnings or unsure about what to do.

People who complete suicide always leave notes.

Most people don't leave notes.

Talk therapy and medication don’t work.

Treatment can and does work. Finding effective treatment can take time — what works for someone may not work for another. Finding the right treatment/provider can greatly reduce the risk of suicide.

Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.

Many individuals affected by mental illness do not experience suicidality, and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have a mental illness.

Once an individual is suicidal, they will always remain suicidal.

Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation-specific. While suicidal thoughts can be persistent and serious, they are not permanent. An individual with suicidal thoughts can live a long, successful life.

Once the emotional state improves, the risk of suicide is over.

The highest rates of suicide occur within approximately three months of an apparent improvement in a severely depressed state. Therefore, an improvement in emotional state doesn't mean a lessened risk.

After a person has attempted suicide, it is unlikely he/she will try again.

People who have attempted suicide can be very likely to try again. 80% of the people who die from suicide have made at least one previous attempt.

Once someone has already decided to complete a suicide, nothing is going to stop them. Suicidal people clearly want to die.

Most of the time, a suicidal person is ambivalent about the decision; they are torn between wanting to die and wanting to live. Most suicidal individuals just want the pain to stop. Some people, seeing evidence of two conflicting feelings in the individual may interpret the action as insincerity, saying, "They really doesn't want to do it; I don't think they are serious." Peoples' ability to help is hindered if they don't understand the common suicidal characteristic of ambivalence. Offering understanding, support, and hope CAN make a difference

Telling someone to cheer up usually helps.

Trying to cheer someone up might make them feel even more misunderstood and ashamed of their thoughts and feelings. It’s important to listen well and take them seriously.

If someone promised to seek help, your job is done.

You need to make sure that any suicidal person stays safe until you can help them connect with a responsible adult.

Depression is mostly a _________________ problem.

Depression is an “equal opportunity illness” that can affect anyone, regardless of race or socioeconomic level. Rates among different populations DO vary and warrant attention — they can indicate levels of risk and can inform of us of certain factors at play. For example, rates among young African-American males and Hispanic teenage girls have dramatically increased in the past 20 years. However, depression and suicide DO NOT discriminate.