Myths about People Considering Suicide
People who are suicidal definitely want to die.
The vast majority of people who are suicidal do not want to die. They are in pain, and they want to stop the pain.
People who talk about wanting to die by suicide do not try to kill themselves.
People who talk about wanting to die by suicide often times kill themselves.
People who talk about suicide are trying to manipulate others.
No. People who talk about suicide are in pain and need help. And telling them that they "just want something" or "are trying to manipulate" is both insensitive and ignorant. People often talk about suicide before dying by suicide. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Always.
People who attempt suicide are weak or crazy.
People considering suicide are in pain -- and may have a chemical imbalance in their brain. Anyone could attempt suicide. Many strong and courageous people die by suicide because they are not able to get the help that they need.
People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention.
People who die by suicide usually talk about it first. They are in pain and oftentimes reach out for help because they do not know what to do and have lost hope. Always take talk about suicide seriously. Always.
Myths about Suicide Prevention
People who are suicidal do not seek help.
Many people who are suicidal reach out for help.
You should never ask people who are suicidal person if they are thinking about suicide or if they have thought about a method, because just talking about it will give them the idea.
Asking people if they are thinking about suicide does not give them the idea for suicide. And it is important to talk about suicide with people who are suicidal because you will learn more about their mindset and intentions, and allow them to diffuse some of the tension that is causing their suicidal feelings.
The only effective intervention for suicide comes from professional psychotherapists with extensive experience in this area.
All people who interact with suicidal people can help them by way of emotional support and encouragement. Psychotherapeutic interventions also rely heavily on family and friends providing a network of support.
Once people decide to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do to stop them.
Suicide can be prevented. Most people who are suicidal do not want to die; they just want to stop their pain.
Myths about Suicide Risks
Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.
There are almost always warning signs.
Good circumstances -- having a comfortable home, a good job, or being a good student--prevent suicide.
Suicide cuts across class, race, age, and sexual orientation differences, though its frequency varies among different groups in society. For example, suicide and suicide attempts among transgender youth are considerably higher than for other youth.
There is little correlation between alcohol or drug abuse and suicide.
Oftentimes people who die by suicide are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Young people never think about suicide, they have their entire life ahead of them.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-24. Sometimes children under 10 die by suicide.
Suicide only strikes people of a certain gender, race, financial status, age, etc.
Suicide can strike anyone.
Myths about Suicide Patterns
People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again.
People who attempt suicide and survive will oftentimes make additional attempts.
When people become suicidal, they will always be suicidal.
Most people are suicidal for a limited period of time. However, suicidal feelings can recur.
When people who are suicidal feel better, they are no longer suicidal.
Sometimes suicidal people feel better because they have decided to die by suicide, and may feel a sense of relief that the pain will soon be over.
Clinical depression is something that a person can just "snap out of."
Depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person physically, emotionally, and biochemically.
Myths about Transgender Suicide
If you're not suicidal, you're not really transgender.
Feeling suicidal is not a direct result of being transgender. Transphobia plays a large role in societal factors that can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Once I transition/pass, everything in life will be better.
Transitioning or passing may relieve some stress, but will not make problems go away. It is important to seek support in coping with ongoing problems.
If I take estrogen, I will become depressed and suicidal.
While estrogen can worsen existing depression in some individuals, it does not cause one to become suicidal.
Myths about Suicide
