To understand why people die by suicide and why so many others attempt to take their own lives, it is
important to know the facts. Read the facts about suicide below and share them with others.
Myth:
Suicide can’t be prevented. If
someone is set on taking their own life,
there is nothing that can be done to stop
them.
Fact:
Suicide is preventable. The vast
majority of people contemplating suicide
don’t really want to die. They are seeking
an end to intense mental or physical pain.
Most have a mental illness. Interventions
can save lives.
Myth:
Asking someone if they are thinking
about suicide will put the idea in their
head and cause them to act on it.
Fact:
When you fear someone you know is
in crisis or depressed, asking them if they
are thinking about suicide can actually
help. By giving a person an opportunity
to open up and share their troubles you
can help alleviate their pain and find
solutions.
Myth:
Someone making suicidal threats
won’t really do it, they are just looking for
attention.
Fact:
Those who talk about suicide or
express thoughts about wanting to die,
are at risk for suicide and need your
attention. Most people who die by suicide
give some indication or warning. Take all
threats of suicide seriously. Even if you
think they are just “crying for help”—a
cry for help, is a cry for help—so help.
Myth:
It is easy for parents/caregivers to
tell when their child is showing signs of
suicidal behavior.
Fact:
Unfortunately, research shows that
this is not the case in a surprisingly large
percentage of families. This illustrates
the importance for parents/caregivers to
be attentive to warning signs, risk factors,
to ask direct questions, and be open to
conversation.