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Suicide Myths (Adult)
Myth: "People who complete suicide always leave notes."
Fact: Most people don't leave notes.
Myth: "People who die from suicide don't warn others."
Fact: Out of 10 people who kill themselves, eight 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.
Myth: "People who talk about suicide are only trying to get attention. They won't really do it."
Fact: 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. Over 70% who do threaten to carry out a suicide either make an attempt or complete the act.
Myth: "Once someone has already decided to complete a suicide, nothing is going to stop them. Suicidal people clearly want to die."
Fact: 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 don't want death; they just want the pain to stop. Some people, seeing evidence of two conflicting feelings in the individual may interpret the action as insincerity, saying, "he really doesn't want to do it; I don't think he is serious." Peoples' ability to help is hindered if they don't understand the common suicidal characteristic of ambivalence.
Myth: "Once the emotional state improves, the risk of suicide is over."
Fact: The highest rates of suicide occur within about three months of an apparent improvement in a severely depressed state. Therefore, an improvement in emotional state doesn't mean a lessened risk.
Myth: "After a person has attempted suicide, it is unlikely he/she will try again."
Fact: People who have attempted suicide are very likely to try again. 80% of the people who die from suicide have made at least one previous attempt.
Myth: "Don't mention suicide to someone who's showing signs of severe depression. It will plant the idea in their minds, and they will act on it."
Fact: Many depressed people have already considered suicide as an option. Discussing it openly helps the suicidal person sort through the problems and generally provides a sense of relief and understanding. It is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Myth: "An unsuccessful attempt means that the person wasn't serious about ending their life."
Fact: The attempt in and of itself is the
most important factor; not the effectiveness of the method.