There are lots of myths surrounding suicide. Unfortunately, these myths can often stand in the way of getting suicidal people the help they need. Replace the myths with the facts so you can be ready, willing and able to help someone who’s at-risk.
Myth: People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention.
Fact: People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. They are in pain and often reach out for help because they don’t know what to do and have lost hope. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Always.
Myth: People who talk about wanting to die by suicide do not try to kill themselves.
Fact: People who talk about wanting to die by suicide often kill themselves.
Myth: Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.
Fact: There are almost always warning signs.
Myth: Once people decide to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do to stop them.
Fact: Suicide can be prevented. Most people who are suicidal do not want to die — they just want to stop their pain.
Myth: Suicide only strikes people of a certain gender, race, financial status, age, etc.
Fact: Suicide can strike anyone.
Myth: People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again.
Fact: People who attempt suicide and survive often make additional attempts.
Myth: People who attempt suicide are crazy.
Fact: No, no, no. They are in pain and may have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Anyone could attempt suicide.
Myth: People who attempt suicide are weak.
Fact: No, no, no. They are in pain and may have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Many people who are very strong die by suicide.
Myth: People who talk about suicide are trying to manipulate others.
Fact: No. People who talk about suicide are in pain and need help. Telling them that they “just want something” or “are trying to manipulate” is both insensitive and ignorant. People often talk about suicide before dying by suicide. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Always.
Myth: When people become suicidal, they will always be suicidal.
Fact: Most people are suicidal for a limited period of time. However, suicidal feelings can recur.
Myth: People who are suicidal definitely want to die.
Fact: The vast majority of people who are suicidal do not want to die. They are in pain, and they want to stop the pain.
Myth: You should never ask people who are suicidal if they are thinking about suicide or if they have thought about a method, because just talking about it will give them the idea.
Fact: Asking people if they are thinking about suicide does not give them the idea for suicide. It’s important to talk about suicide with people who are suicidal because you will learn more about their mindset and intentions. Talking can enable them to diffuse some of the tension that is causing their suicidal feelings.
Myth: When people who are suicidal feel better, they are no longer suicidal.
Fact: Sometimes suicidal people feel better because they have decided to die by suicide, and may feel a sense of relief that their pain will soon be over.
Myth: Young people never think about suicide — they have their entire lives ahead of them.
Fact: Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people from 15 to 24. Sometimes children under 10 die by suicide.
Myth: There is little correlation between alcohol or drug abuse and suicide.
Fact: Often people who die by suicide are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Myth: People who are suicidal do not seek help.
Fact: Many people who are suicidal reach out for help.