Myths about suicide
There are a number of commonly held incorrect beliefs about suicide. These myths can stand in the way of providing assistance for those who are in danger. By removing the myths, carers and friends will be able to recognise those who are at risk and provide the help that is needed.
Myth
People who talk about suicide never attempt or complete suicide
Fact
Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and it can be a late sign in the progression towards a suicide attempt. Those most at risk will show other signs apart from talking about suicide.
Myth
A promise to keep a note unopened and unread should always be kept
Fact
Where the potential to harm, or actual harm, is disclosed then confidentiality cannot be maintained. A sealed note with a request for the note to be opened is a very strong indicator that something is seriously amiss. A sealed note can be a late sign in the progression towards suicide.
Myth
Attempted or completed suicides happen without warning
Fact
Those close to a person who has committed suicide often say that the intention was hidden from them. It is often the case though that the intention was not recognised. See warning signs.
Myth
If a person attempts suicide and survives, they will never make a further attempt
Fact
A suicide attempt is regarded as a strong indicator of further attempts. It is likely that the level of danger will increase with each further suicide attempt.
Myth
People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention
Fact
All suicide attempts must be treated as though the person has the intent to die. Do not dismiss a suicide attempt as simply being an attention-seeking episode. It is likely that the person has tried to gain attention beforehand; therefore, this attention is needed. The attention that they get may well save their lives.
Myth
Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts
Fact
Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears that are shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in encouraging a suicidal person to live comes from talking about feelings. The first step can be the simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.
Myth
Suicide is hereditary.
Fact
Suicide can be over-represented in families but it is not genetically inherited. Members of families share the same emotional environment, and the suicide of one family member may well raise the awareness of suicide as an option for other family members.
Myth
Only certain types of people become suicidal.
Fact
Everyone has the potential for suicide. The evidence is that predisposing conditions may lead to either attempted or completed suicides. It is unlikely that those who do not have the predisposing conditions (for example, depression, substance misuse, feelings of rejection, rage, emotional pain and anger) will commit suicide.
Myth
Suicide is painless.
Fact
Many suicide methods are very painful. Fictional portrayals of suicide do not usually include the reality of the pain they involve
Myth
All suicidal people are depressed.
Fact
While depression is a contributing factor in most suicides, it need not be present for suicide to be attempted or completed.
Myth
Marked and sudden improvement in the mental state of an attempter following a suicide crisis, depressive period, or psychotic episode signifies that the suicide risk is over
Fact
The opposite may be true. In the three months following an attempt, someone is most at risk. The apparent lifting of mood could mean the person has made a firm decision to commit suicide and feels better because of this
Myth
Suicidal people cannot help themselves
Fact
Whilst contemplating suicide, people may have a distorted perception of their actual situation and what solutions are appropriate for them to take. However, with support and constructive assistance from caring and informed people, they can gain full self-direction and self-management in their lives
Myth
The only effective intervention for suicide comes from professional people with extensive experience in the area
Fact
All people who interact with suicidal people can help them by way of emotional support and encouragement. Psychotherapeutic interventions also rely heavily on family and friends providing a network of support.
Myth
Most suicidal people never seek or ask for help with their problems
Fact
Most suicidal adults visit a medical doctor during the three months prior to killing themselves. Adolescents are more likely to ‘ask’ for help through non verbal gestures than to express their situation verbally to others.
Myth
Every death is preventable
Fact
No matter how well-intentioned, alert and diligent people’s efforts may be, there is no way of preventing all suicides from occurring.
People who talk about suicide never attempt or complete suicide
Fact
Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and it can be a late sign in the progression towards a suicide attempt. Those most at risk will show other signs apart from talking about suicide.
Myth
A promise to keep a note unopened and unread should always be kept
Fact
Where the potential to harm, or actual harm, is disclosed then confidentiality cannot be maintained. A sealed note with a request for the note to be opened is a very strong indicator that something is seriously amiss. A sealed note can be a late sign in the progression towards suicide.
Myth
Attempted or completed suicides happen without warning
Fact
Those close to a person who has committed suicide often say that the intention was hidden from them. It is often the case though that the intention was not recognised. See warning signs.
Myth
If a person attempts suicide and survives, they will never make a further attempt
Fact
A suicide attempt is regarded as a strong indicator of further attempts. It is likely that the level of danger will increase with each further suicide attempt.
Myth
People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention
Fact
All suicide attempts must be treated as though the person has the intent to die. Do not dismiss a suicide attempt as simply being an attention-seeking episode. It is likely that the person has tried to gain attention beforehand; therefore, this attention is needed. The attention that they get may well save their lives.
Myth
Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts
Fact
Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears that are shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in encouraging a suicidal person to live comes from talking about feelings. The first step can be the simple inquiry about whether or not the person is intending to end their life. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.
Myth
Suicide is hereditary.
Fact
Suicide can be over-represented in families but it is not genetically inherited. Members of families share the same emotional environment, and the suicide of one family member may well raise the awareness of suicide as an option for other family members.
Myth
Only certain types of people become suicidal.
Fact
Everyone has the potential for suicide. The evidence is that predisposing conditions may lead to either attempted or completed suicides. It is unlikely that those who do not have the predisposing conditions (for example, depression, substance misuse, feelings of rejection, rage, emotional pain and anger) will commit suicide.
Myth
Suicide is painless.
Fact
Many suicide methods are very painful. Fictional portrayals of suicide do not usually include the reality of the pain they involve
Myth
All suicidal people are depressed.
Fact
While depression is a contributing factor in most suicides, it need not be present for suicide to be attempted or completed.
Myth
Marked and sudden improvement in the mental state of an attempter following a suicide crisis, depressive period, or psychotic episode signifies that the suicide risk is over
Fact
The opposite may be true. In the three months following an attempt, someone is most at risk. The apparent lifting of mood could mean the person has made a firm decision to commit suicide and feels better because of this
Myth
Suicidal people cannot help themselves
Fact
Whilst contemplating suicide, people may have a distorted perception of their actual situation and what solutions are appropriate for them to take. However, with support and constructive assistance from caring and informed people, they can gain full self-direction and self-management in their lives
Myth
The only effective intervention for suicide comes from professional people with extensive experience in the area
Fact
All people who interact with suicidal people can help them by way of emotional support and encouragement. Psychotherapeutic interventions also rely heavily on family and friends providing a network of support.
Myth
Most suicidal people never seek or ask for help with their problems
Fact
Most suicidal adults visit a medical doctor during the three months prior to killing themselves. Adolescents are more likely to ‘ask’ for help through non verbal gestures than to express their situation verbally to others.
Myth
Every death is preventable
Fact
No matter how well-intentioned, alert and diligent people’s efforts may be, there is no way of preventing all suicides from occurring.
