There are many myths that have attached themselves to suicide over time. Take note, and make sure you are not overlooking a person in need.
MYTH: “The people who talk about it don’t do it.”
Studies have found that more than 75% of all completed suicides did things in the few weeks or months prior to their deaths to indicate to others that they were in deep despair. Anyone expressing suicidal feelings should receive immediate attention.
MYTH: “Anyone who tries to kill himself has got to be crazy.”
Only 10% of all suicidal people are psychotic or have delusional beliefs about reality. Most suffer from the recognized mental illness of depression; but many depressed people can adequately manage their daily affairs.
MYTH: “If someone is going to kill himself, nothing can stop him.”
The fact that a person is still alive is proof that part of him wants to live. The suicidal person is ambivalentŃa part of him wants to live and part of him wants the pain to end, and his only answer is death. If someone turns to you, it shows that your concern can help. Be sure to listen and give the person the opportunity to unburden himself of this pain, give him the chance to vent his troubles.
MYTH: “Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.”
People already have the idea! If you ask a person if he needs your help, or if he needs to talk, you are helping him. You are showing him that you care, and taking his concerns and problems seriously. You are giving him further opportunity to discharge pent up feelings which may talk him out of committing suicide.
