Myths About Suicide

False		True
1. People who talk about suicide		1. People who commit suicide often give a
rarely actually commit suicide.		clue or warning of their intentions. Anyone who
		thinks or talks about suicide should seek
		professional help.

2. The suicidal person wants to die		2. Suicidal persons often feel ambivalent
and feels there is no turning back.		about dying.

3. There is little correlation		3. Alcohol and suicide often go hand
between alcohol and suicide.		in hand; that is, a person who commits
		suicide is often under the influence of
		alcohol or other drugs.

4. A suicide attempt means that		4. Often a suicide attempt is made during
the attempter will always have		a particularly stressful period. If the
thoughts of suicide.		remainder of that period can be well
		managed, then the attempter can go on with life.

5. If you ask a person directly,		5. Asking a person directly about suicidal
"Do you feel like killing yourself?"		intent will often relieve the anxiety
this will lead to a suicide attempt.		surrounding the feeling and act as a deterrent
		to the suicidal behavior.

6. Suicide is more common among		6. Suicide affects the rich, the poor and the
the rich.		middle class equally.

7. Self destructive behavior is just		7. All self-destructive behavior is serious
a bid for attention.		and can be lethal. Anyone who behaves self-
		destructively would benefit from professional
		help.

8. Improvement following a		8. When a suicidal person begins to feel
suicidal crisis means that the		better, he or she will still be confronted
suicidal risk is over.		with problems and responsibilities. This
		can be very difficult and can lead to a
		return of suicidal thoughts. It may take
		months to feel consistently better and in
		control.

Remember Suicide IS NOT an option