Resource Centre
Myths and facts about suicide
There are many myths associated with suicide. Part of Samaritans Crisis Line work is to dispel common misconceptions and help people better understand the signs, feelings and aims of those considering taking their own lives.
Myth - People who talk about suicide don’t kill themselves.
Fact - 8/10 people speak of their intention to suicide before doing it.
Myth - Suicide happens without warning.
Fact - Studies reveal suicidal people give many clues and warnings about their suicidal intentions.
Myth - Once a person is suicidal they are suicidal forever.
Fact - Those who are critically suicidal are so only for short periods of time.
Myth - When people talk about suicide you should change the subject.
Fact - When people talk about suicide they need to be taken seriously, listened to with care and given a chance to express themselves.
Myth - Personal improvement following a suicidal crisis means the suicidal risk is over.
Fact - Most suicides occur within about 3 months of the beginning of an ‘improvement’, when the individual has the energy to put their thoughts and feelings into effect.
Myth - Suicide strikes exclusively among the poor.
Fact - Suicide is neither the rich man’s disease nor the poor man’s curse. It occurs across all levels of society.
Myth - Suicide is inherited and therefore inevitable.
Fact - Suicide is not inherited but if someone believes it is, then the risk to them can increase.
Myth - All suicidal individuals are mentally ill and/or psychotic.
Fact - Various studies of genuine suicide notes indicate that although the suicidal people are extremely unhappy, they are not necessarily mentally ill.
Myth - People who kill themselves want to die.
Fact - Most people who complete suicide are confused about whether they want to live or die. Suicide is often a cry for help which ends in tragedy.
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