Myths Re: Suicide

• When teens, children or adults talk of suicide or attempt it, they are just seeking attention. 
• If someone is cutting they are suicidal. 
• People who think of or complete suicide have/had a mental illness. 
• Once suicidal, always suicidal. 
• Discussing suicide encourages it. 
• Most people who attempt suicide are successful. 
• Suicide happens in only a few demographic groups. 
• Every time a person says they want to hurt themselves or no longer be here, we MUST pay attention and get appropriate help. 
• Often those who cut themselves are trying to control the feeling of pain since so much is out of their control. They don’t want to die, they want help. 
• More than 50% of those who die by suicide had no known mental health diagnosis. 
• Active suicidal ideation is often short-term and situation specific. * Help is available. 
• Discussion reduces stigma and offers a supportive ear. It is important to ask if someone is thinking about it – it could save a life. 
• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention estimates that there were near 1.5 million attempts in 2018 with over 48K lost to suicide. 
• Suicide occurs in all demographic groups. ** 

In an Emergency, call 911, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or go to the ER.

Sources:

* https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/September-2018/5-Common-Myths-About-Suicide-Debunked 

** https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/