There are many myths about suicide, and these myths can often impact on people talking about their suicidality and also how the community responds to people experiencing suicidality.
Suicide Myth
Talking about suicide increases the risk and put ideas in their headSuicide Fact
Asking someone if they are suicidal will not give them an idea that they haven’t already thought about. In fact, there is no evidence that talking to a young person about their suicidal thoughts or behaviour increases their risk of suicide or compels them to start feeling suicidal. On the contrary, talking directly about suicide provides an accurate picture of how the young person is feeling and their risk of suicide. Raising the issue sensitively and asking directly about suicide gives the person permission to speak about his or her distress and it demonstrates to them that you care and take them seriously. It is often the first step to getting the young person appropriate follow-up care.
Suicide Myth
People who talk about suicide are only seeking attention and won’t follow throughSuicide Fact
Most people who die by suicide have communicated their intentions, either directly or indirectly. They are in pain and often reaching out for support. Threatening suicide is an indication a young person needs professional support and more effective coping skills. Any talk about suicide should be taken seriously.
Suicide Myth
People who attempt suicide are selfish and weak; they’re taking the easy way outSuicide Fact
Most people who are feeling suicidal do not want to die, they just want to stop their pain. They are often unable to identify any other solution. They need professional and personal support, not judgement.
Suicide Myth
Suicide occurs with little or no warningSuicide Fact
According to research studies, up to 75% of those who die by suicide, communicate their suicidal intentions to others either directly or indirectly in the weeks before their death (Jones & Namgauds, 1998; WHO, 2000). There are a range of warning signs that may suggest someone is at risk of suicide, which is why it is important for people to be familiar with the warning signs.
Suicide Myth
Suicidal feelings and thoughts are permanentSuicide Fact
For most young people, feelings and thoughts of suicide are a temporary response to a situation they find overwhelming and unbearable. They need support to help reduce their pain and learn additional ways to cope.
Suicide Myth
If a person tells me they are having thoughts of suicide, I should not breach their privacy by telling othersSuicide Fact
A threat of suicide is one situation where confidentiality must be breached to protect them from taking their life. Never promise to keep a person’s suicidal intentions secret; in order to seek help for the person you need to tell relevant people.
Suicide Myth
If a person has attempted suicide they will not attempt againSuicide Fact
Research indicates that one of the key risk factors for attempting (or completing) suicide is previous suicide attempts (Connor, Langley, Tomaszewski & Conwell, 2003). Often there will be greater intensity with each attempt, so it is necessary to continue to support him/her.
