What are the myths on suicide?

A number of common beliefs are NOT correct:

• People who talk about suicide won't do it. Incorrect. Almost everyone who commits suicide gives a clue or warning.
• Anyone who tries to commit suicide must be crazy. No, it isn't as simple as that. Suicidal thinking isn't necessarily a sign of mental illness. In young people depression is almost always behind suicidal thinking but often no one realised they were depressed.
• Nothing will stop them. Wrong. The feeling of wanting to end it all usually doesn't last forever. Sometimes it doesn't last for long at all, particularly if things in life change.
• People who commit suicide don't seek help. No. More than half of the people who commit suicide have been to their doctor for help in the six months beforehand, though they may not have talked specifically of suicide.
• Talking about suicide may give them the idea. The opposite is true. Talking about suicide helps people share their feelings and find alternatives.

top