Myths and Facts 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 at risk. Below we have tried to break down some of these myths.

Myth: People who talk about suicide never attempt or complete suicide.

Fact: Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and a sign that someone is thinking about taking their own life. It shouldn’t be assumed that because someone has talked about suicide they won’t try to take their own life.

Myth: People who threaten or attempt suicide are just seeking attention.

Fact: Do not dismiss a suicide attempt as simply being an attention-seeking episode. It is likely that the person is trying to gain attention that may well save their life.

Myth: Talking about suicide will encourage suicide attempts.

Fact: Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. The first step in encouraging a suicidal person to live comes from talking about feelings. But talking about suicide should be carefully managed.

Myth: Suicide is genetic.

Fact: Suicide can be over-represented in families but it is not believed to be 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: There is not a ‘type’ of person and feeling suicidal is not a sign of weakness. There is evidence that having a mental health condition such as depression may make someone more likely to attempt suicide.

Myth: Sudden improvement in the mental state of someone who has been through a period of crisis, depression or psychosis signifies the risk is over.

Fact: The opposite may be true. The apparent lifting of mood could mean the person has made a firm decision to take their life and feel 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 may not be able to see a way out other than suicide. For many people, with support from both friends and family and professionals, they can start to overcome their suicidal feelings.