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The following are common
misconceptions about Suicide
- "People who talk about suicide won't really
do it."
Not True
Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or
warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you'll be sorry
when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out," -- no matter how casually or
jokingly said may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
- "Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must
be crazy."
Not True
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset,
grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and
emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
- "If a person is determined to kill
him/herself, nothing is going to stop him/her."
Not True
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death,
wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting
to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to
stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last
forever.
- "People who commit suicide are people who
were unwilling to seek help."
Not True
Studies of suicide victims have shown that more then half had sought
medical help within six month before their deaths.
- "Talking about suicide may give someone the
idea."
Not True
You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide.
The opposite is true --bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing
it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Information provided by Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE):
www.save.org |
