Notice: This informational website is
not intended as a crisis response or hotline. Local
crisis hotline numbers can be found in the front of
your local phone book or call 911.
TRUTH OR MYTH:
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SUICIDE
___
1.
Most suicidal people have made up their
minds that they really want to die.
___
2.
Mental health professionals are the only
ones that can really help a suicidal
person.
___
3.
People who want attention talk about
suicide; those who are set on killing
themselves say nothing.
___
4.
There is no correlation between drug and
alcohol abuse and suicide.
___
5.
Experts believe that for every one
completed teen suicide, there are as
many as two attempts.
___
6.
The number top factors associated with
adolescent suicide are depression and
feelings of helplessness and
hopelessness.
___
7. In
Nevada, more people are murdered than
commit suicide each year.
___
8.
Adolescent suicide is not a big factor
in Nevada.
___
9.
Adolescent girls are more likely to
attempt suicide than boys, but boys are
more likely to complete suicide.
___
10.
People who are suicidal tend to hide it
very well.
___
11.
People who talk about killing themselves
or make suicide threats and attempts
should always be treated seriously.
___
12.
Most suicidal people are in long-term
crisis situations.
___
13.
If you ask a suicidal person about his
suicidal intentions, you'll encourage
the person to kill himself.
___
14.
Most suicidal people develop a plan for
suicide. The more specific the plan, the
greater the danger.
___
15. A
promise to keep a note unopened and
unread should always be honored.
Myth.
Most suicidal people desperately want to
live. Many will seek help immediately
after attempting to harm themselves.
2.
Myth.
Interventions by mental health
professionals are very important, but
many suicidal individuals never see a
therapist. It is important that all
people who interact with a suicidal
person know how to help them.
3.
Myth.
All suicide threats must be taken
seriously. This behavior may be a sign
of deep depression, and professional
help is needed. While it may, in fact,
be a manipulative act, it is one that
can end in death.
4.
Myth.
Alcohol, drug use and suicide often go
hand in hand. Addicts are at increased
risk for suicidal behavior. Even people
who don't usually drink or use drugs
will often use these substances shortly
before killing themselves.
5.
Myth.
The problem is even more common; for
every completed youth suicide, there are
an estimated 20 or more attempts by
other young people.
6.
Truth. Most suicidal people suffer some
degree of depression. In young people,
depression often goes undiagnosed until
a crisis occurs. Depression may leave a
person feeling drained and "too tired"
to carry out a suicide plan. When
depression begins to lift and there is
sudden improvement, be aware that it
could be a very dangerous time. The
three months following a period of
depression are thought to be a critical
time for suicide risk. During this
period, the person has the energy to
act, and may even appear cheerful and at
peace with the world.
7.
Myth.
In Nevada, suicide has a higher death
rate than homicide. In the time period
of 1989-1998, the average per year
deaths from murder was 162, while for
suicide it was 339 - a 209% difference.
The Homicide rate for Nevada is 11.2
(compared to the US rate of 8.7) while
the suicide rate for Nevada is 24.1
(compared to the US rate of 12.0) - more
than 2:1.
8.
Myth.
In Nevada, youth suicide is the second
leading cause of death. Motor vehicle
accidents are the leading cause of death
for youth.
9.
Truth. Four times as many young men kill
themselves as young women. This is true
despite the fact that three to four
times as many young women attempt
suicide.
10.
Myth.
Suicidal people usually send strong
warning signs. Warning signs are changes
in a person's behavior that are
considered to be out of character.
Research shows that all individuals who
attempt suicide give clues that they
intend to kill themselves.
11.
Truth. All suicide threats should be
taken seriously. Intervention should
happen immediately.
12.
Myth.
The average crisis period lasts for
about two weeks. The earlier the
intervention the better. Anyone can
start the process to get a suicidal
person the help they need.
13.
Myth.
Talking about suicide does not cause
someone to become suicidal. Encouraging
someone to talk about pent-up emotions
through a frank discussion shows that
you care and are willing to help.
14.
Truth. Once the idea of suicide has been
considered, the suicidal person has to
plan the time, place, and means to
complete the act. With early
intervention, there is less time for a
suicidal person to plan and the danger
is decreased (though not eliminated).
15.
Myth.
Promises and confidences cannot be
maintained when the potential for harm
exists. A sealed note can be a serious
warning sign of suicidal intent.
12 to 15 correct: You should be prepared to
come to the aid of a potentially suicidal person.
Remember, however, that your learning about this
important subject never truly ends.
10 to 12 correct: You are quite knowledgeable
about many aspects of suicide prevention. Learning
more will give you tools that might help prevent a
suicide.
10 or fewer correct: You need to learn more
about various issues surrounding suicide prevention
so that you can be there there if and when someone
needs you.
This material is adapted with permission from The
Hope Book: An Educator's Guide to Suicide Prevention
- developed by the Healthy Community Coalition, an
affiliate of the Franklin Community Health Network
(PO Box 566, Farmington, ME 04938 - Phone:
201-778-7283)
