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.