Myths

Myth: People who talk about suicide rarely actually commit suicide.

Fact: Those with suicidal thoughts often times give clues and warning signs. Examples are negative out look on life and talk about not being happy or not wanting to be here any more.

Myth: A suicidal person wants to die and there is nothing anyone - including a physician - can do: they will eventually do it.

Fact: Suicidal persons usually don’t actually want to die. Rather, they just want to stop the pain.

Myth: A suicide attempt means that the attempter will always have thoughts of suicide.

Fact: Often a suicide attempt is made during a particularly stressful period. If the remainder of that period can be well managed, then the attempter can go on with a healthy and productive life.

Myth: In time, those affected by the loss of someone to suicide will get over it.

Fact: Suicide loss is characterized by a long, severe, and painful grief that may not abate.

Myth: Stigma is no longer associated with suicide loss.

Fact: There may still be hurtful remarks about the victim, what motivated their death, and the grievers' responsibility or knowledge of their intent.

Myth: Being around others who have had such a loss will just make you feel worse.

Myth: Most suicide attempts are during the winter holiday season.

Fact: Most suicide attempts occur in the spring-a time when some individuals feel that new life is beginning for everyone except them.

Myth: Depression is rare in young people.

Fact: The rate of depression in this group may be as high as one in eight.Also, it is estimated that two-thirds of young people will not get the help they need.

Myth: Telling an adult that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust.

Myth: Clinical depression is something that a person can just "snap out of."

Fact: It is a serious health problem that affects the total person physically, emotionally, and biochemically.

Myth: If you ask a person directly, "Do you feel like killing yourself?" this will lead to a suicide attempt.

Fact: Asking a person directly about suicidal intent will often relieve the anxiety surrounding the feeling and act as a deterrent to the suicidal behavior.