Myths About Suicide
- If I mention suicide to a student, I might give them the idea.
Not True
It is common to think about dying when you are depressed or upset. The opposite is true. Discussing suicide openly is one of the most helpful things you can do. - People who talk about suicide are just venting. They won’t do it.
Not True
Almost everyone who commits suicide has given a warning. No matter how casual the “joke” it is important not to ignore a suicide threat. - People who talk about suicide are being manipulative and you shouldn’t play in to it.
Not True
There is a half-truth that when people talk about dying they want some way out but they don’t believe they can get it or know how. Take all suicidal comments seriously and ask questions. - Anyone who is thinking of killing her/himself must be crazy.
Not True
Most people have some thoughts about wanting to die at one time or another in their life. People who want to die are under extreme stress or are depressed. Depression is treatable. - People who commit suicide are unwilling to seek help.
Not True
It is common that people who are thinking about suicide have sought help within six months of their death. If they have, it is important for you to find out what happened, why it didn’t help and to let the suicidal student know that it is very possible to recover from depression. - Nothing is going to stop someone who wants to die.
Not True
People who are thinking about suicide often have very mixed feelings. Often times they don’t want death but to stop pain. Sometimes people have adopted patterns in their life that lead to more pain, however they can learn to get help and make changes to ease the pain.