Sucide Myths

People who talk about suicide won’t really kill themselves.
 False, people who are talking about suicide are thinking that it is an option. Whether or not they follow through on it can depend on the reactions from others. All talk about suicide should be taken seriously. 
 
 People who attempt suicide are just trying to get attention.
 Possibly, but unless someone gives then some attention the results could be fatal! If they want attention that badly, take some time and listen to what they have to say.
 
 Anyone who tries to commit suicide must be crazy!
 False, most people are not psychotic or insane. They may be depressed or upset but distress and emotional pain are a part of life. Suicide is the way they choose to deal with that pain. You may not understand their pain or their choice but that does not make them crazy. However, this myth may be one reason why people don’t reach out for help in a crisis, they may fear other people will think they are “crazy”.
 
 Talking about suicide will give someone the idea.
 False, actually the opposite is true. Being willing to talk openly to someone who is feeling suicidal can be a great relief and may help them see other options. Sometimes having just one person who cares and expresses that caring can be enough to make the person change their mind. If a person is not feeling suicidal talking about it will not make them want to kill themselves. Media reports that focus on the method used without talking about the emotional pain that caused the action, can encourage copy-cat suicides.
 
 Those problems are not bad enough to commit suicide over.
 It is not how bad the problem is, it’s how badly it is hurting the person who has it. Other factors are also important, like what other stressors have been happening, what supports does the person perceive that they have, and what coping skills do they have available.
 
 People who attempt suicide really want to die.
 Don’t believe it. They very likely want to live but without their pain. Most people want to end their suffering and have given up hope that things could ever get better. They don’t think anyone else can help them. They cannot see any other options.