The Myths and Facts of Suicide

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young adults, taking the lives of almost 1 million people annually. What drives so many individuals to take their own lives? To those not in the grips of suicidal depression and despair, suicide is difficult to understand. But a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she can see no other option.

Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness, and isolation, a suicidal person can't see any way of finding relief except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just can't see one.

A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. People who take their lives don't want to die—they just want to stop hurting. Suicide prevention starts by understanding suicide and the warning signs. There are several misconceptions surrounding suicide and those who attempt it. The following are some of the major myths about suicide.

Myth: People who talk about suicide aren't serious about doing it.
Fact: Almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "You'll be sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out," — no matter how casually or jokingly said, may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

Myth: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy.
Fact: Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness. Not all those with mental illness have suicidal thoughts and not all those who commit suicide have mental illness. Often other life stressors (relationship problems, death of a loved one, traumatic injury or experience, etc.) can trigger suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Myth: If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing I do or say is going to stop them.
Fact: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.

Myth: People who die by suicide are people who were not willing to seek help.
Fact: Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought some type of medical help in the six months prior to their deaths.

Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
Fact: You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true—bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Myth: Someone with "their act together" is not at risk of committing suicide.
Fact: Appearances can be deceiving. It's easy to think that those who get the perfect grades, are starters on their teams and have the picture-perfect life on social media are not struggling but that may be far from the case. You never really know what inner battles someone may be going through. So if you see anyone exhibit signs of suicide despite their seemingly happiness, take those signs seriously.

Myth: Once someone is suicidal, they will always be suicidal.
Fact: Active suicidal ideation often occurs in the short-term and is related to a specific situation. The thoughts/act are often an attempt to control painful emotions that the person is experiencing. Once these thoughts begin to dissipate, so do the suicidal ideations. 

If you are currently having suicidal thoughts, you can get immediate help by calling 1-800-SUICIDE. Additional resources can be found at Suicide.org.

Sources:  

SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

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