Suicide Myths

Myth
People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide.

Fact
Most people who commit suicide have talked about or given definite warning signs of their suicidal intentions.


Myth
Suicide happens without warning.

Fact
There are almost always warning signs, but others are often unaware of the significance of the warnings or unsure about what to do.


Myth
Suicidal people are fully intent on dying. Nothing others do or say can help.

Fact
Suicide is preventable. Most suicidal people desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems.


Myth
Once someone is suicidal, they are suicidal forever.

Fact
Most suicidal people are suicidal for only limited periods of time. However, someone who has made an attempt is at increased risk for future attempts.


Myth
Improvement after a suicidal crisis means that the risk of suicide is over.

Fact
Many suicides occur several months after the beginning of improvement, when a person has energy to act on suicidal thoughts.


Myth
Suicide strikes most often among the rich, or conversely, among the poor.

Fact
Suicide cuts across social and economic boundaries.