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EDUCATE YOURSELF
& SHARE THE TRUTHS

A lot of myths surround suicide and depression. Often, people believe they are helpless to a person who is suicidal, or that talking about it may nudge the person in the wrong direction. These myths are not true. Educate yourself about these myths and share the truths with others. You may help save a life.

MYTH:
Those who talk about suicide don’t do it.

FACT:
Most of the people who either attempted or completed suicide have made their intentions known ahead of time by either talking about it or by giving other clues. Talk of suicide should not be ignored or readily dismissed.

MYTH:
If a person is really intent on killing themselves, there is nothing anybody can do to stop them.

FACT:
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings or are ambivalent about dying and most likely just want to end the pain they are in, not their lives. Often times, if a person in crisis gets the professional help they need, they will never be suicidal again. Suicide can be prevented in most cases and any act of kindness has the potential to save a life.

MYTH:
If you talk about suicide or ask someone if they are having thoughts about suicide, you will give people the idea to kill themselves.

FACT:
Chances are, if you are worried about someone and you have noticed the warning signs and risk factors, they’ve probably thought about suicide themselves. Asking somebody directly about suicidal thoughts often brings a sense of relief to the person in crisis and helps them to live, not give them ideas to die.

MYTH:
Only experts or professionals can prevent suicide.

FACT:
Suicide prevention is everybody’s business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

MYTH: 
Suicide only affects individuals with a mental health condition.

FACT:
Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness. Relationship problems and other life stressors such as criminal/legal matters, persecution, eviction/loss of home, death of a loved one, a devastating or debilitating illness, trauma, sexual abuse, rejection, and recent or impending crises are also associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts.

MYTH:
People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.

FACT: 
People who die from suicide have often told someone about not wanting to live anymore or they do not see the future. It’s always important to take seriously anybody who talks about
feeling suicidal. It’s important to be kind and sensitive, and ask direct questions such as: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” or “Are you thinking about suicide?”.

MYTH:
Teenagers and college students are the most at risk for suicide.

FACT: 
The suicide rate for this age group is below the national average, and suicide risk increases with age. The age group with the highest suicide rate in the U.S. is men and women between 45 and 64. Though particular groups may be at higher risk, suicide is a problem among all ages and groups.

MYTH:
Barriers to bridges, safe firearm storage and other actions to reduce access to lethal methods of suicide don’t work.

FACT: 
Limiting access to lethal means, such as firearms, is one of the simplest strategies to decrease the chances of suicide. Many suicide attempts are a result of impulsive decisions. Therefore, separating someone from a lethal means could provide a person some time to think before doing harm to themselves.

MYTH:
People with mental health conditions are violent.

FACT: 
Most people with mental health conditions are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the general population.

MYTH:
Children don’t experience mental health issues or suicidal ideation.

FACT: 
Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health conditions are often clinically diagnosable and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14-years-old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.