Suicide Myths
Most people contemplating suicide do not want to die, they just want to stop the pain and difficulties they are experiencing. One of the first steps in opening up communication on how to prevent suicide is stamping out the many myths that surround it.
Myth 1: People who talk about suicide never attempt or complete suicide.
People who talk about their suicidal thoughts do attempt suicide. Many people who complete a suicide have told someone about their suicidal feelings in the weeks prior to their death. Listening and supporting a person during this time can save lives.
Top of pageMyth 2: If somebody wants to end their life, they will, and there is nothing anybody can do about it.
Most people contemplating suicide do not want to die but they do want to find a way to ease the pain. Although there are some occasions when nobody could have predicted a suicide, in most cases if appropriate help and support is offered to a person and they are willing to accept this help, a tragic outcome may be averted.
Top of pageMyth 3: Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts
Serious talk about suicide does not create or increase risk; it can help to reduce it. The best way to identify the possibility of suicide is to ask directly. Openly listening to and discussing someone's thoughts of suicide can be a source of relief for them and can be key to preventing the immediate danger of suicide.
Top of pageMyth 4: Some people are always suicidal.
Some groups, sub-culture or ages are particularly associated with suicide. Whilst some groups (such as young men) seem to be at increased risk, suicide can affect all ages, genders and cultures. Many people think about suicide in passing at some time or another. There isn't a 'type' for suicide, and whilst there may be warning signs, they aren't always noticed. Whilst those who have made an attempt on their own life in the past can be at increased risk of completing suicide, people can and do move on in their lives.
Top of pageMyth 5: When a person begins to feel better, the danger is over.
Often the risk of suicide can be greatest as depression lifts, or when a person appears to be calm after a period of turmoil. This can be because once a decision to attempt suicide is made, people may feel they have a solution, however desperate it may be.
Top of pageMyth 6: Most suicides happen in the winter months.
Suicide is more common in the Spring and Summer months.
Top of pageMyth 7: People who threaten suicide are just attention seeking and shouldn't be taken seriously.
People may well talk about their feelings because they want support in dealing with them. The response of those close to a person who has attempted suicide can be important to their recovery and giving them the attention they need may save their life. A suicide attempt should always be taken seriously.
Top of pageMyth 8: People who are suicidal want to die
The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die but they do not want to live the life they have. Offering emotional support and talking through other options can help people come through a suicidal crisis and make the difference between them choosing to live or deciding to die.
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