Myths about Suicide

Here are some common myths that people have about suicide:

Myth #1: People who talk about suicide really won’t do it.

Fact: This statement is FALSE.  Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some kind of warning.  Do not ignore suicide threats.  Statements like, “You’ll be sorry when I’m gone” or “I can’t see any way out” may be warning signs.  No matter how jokingly these statements may be said, they may indicate serious suicidal feelings.  All suicide threats should be taken seriously.  Don’t be the one to determine if the threat is real or if the person will follow through.  That is not your burden to bear.  If you hear someone talk about suicide, tell someone who is better able to make that determination; like a parent, teacher or counselor.

Myth #2: Anyone who tries to kill himself must be crazy.

Fact: This statement is FALSE.  Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane.  They may be grief-stricken, depressed, or despaired.  Extreme distress and emotional pain are not signs of mental illness.  People who feel suicidal are in so much pain it seems unbearable to them.  They need to get the proper resources to cope with that pain.

Myth #3: If a person is determined to kill herself, nothing is going to stop them.

Fact: This statement is FALSE.  Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die.  Most suicidal people do not want to die; they just want their pain to stop.  The impulse to end it all, no matter how overpowering, does not last forever.

Myth #4: If someone tries to commit suicide and doesn’t succeed, that is just a cry for attention.

Fact: This statement is FALSE.  Each and every suicide attempt should be taken seriously.  There are lots of reasons why a suicide attempt was not successful.  Just because someone attempts suicide and fails, it does not mean they weren’t really suicidal.

Myth #5: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea to commit suicide.

Fact: This statement is FALSE.  You don’t give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide.  The opposite is true.  Bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do to help a suicidal person.