Suicide - Facts and Myths of Suicide

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 that the suicidal person gives 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 get their mind off it and 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 - Improvement following a suicidal crisis means the suicidal risk is over
Fact - Most suicides occur with in 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, much more often among the rich or conversely, it occurs exclusively among the poor.
Fact - Suicide is neither the rich man’s disease nor the poor man’s curse. Suicide is very democratic and is represented among 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 increases

Myth - All suicidal individuals are mentally ill and suicide is the act of a psychotic person
Fact - Studies of hundreds of genuine suicide notes indicate that although the suicidal person is extremely unhappy, they are not necessarily mentally ill.

Myth - People who kill themselves really 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 that ends in tragedy