Myths about Suicide

Many myths have developed about suicide and those who engage in suicidal behaviors. The following are the most common myths and are NOT TRUE:

 
People who talk about suicide usually don’t go through with it.
FALSE. Many people who die by suicide have given definite warnings to family and friends of their intentions. Always take any comment about suicide seriously.

Suicidal people are fully intent on dying.
FALSE. Most suicidal people are undecided about living or dying. This is called “suicidal ambivalence.” While a part of them wants to live, death seems like the only way out of their pain and suffering. They sometimes “gamble with death,” leaving it up to others to save them.

Sometimes a bad event can push a person to complete suicide.
FALSE. Suicide results from serious psychiatric disorders rather than from any single event.

Thinking about suicide is rare.
FALSE.

Everyone who dies by suicide is depressed.
FALSE.

You have to be “crazy” to die by suicide.
FALSE.

You can’t stop someone who really wants to die by suicide.
FALSE.

Most people who attempt suicide have gotten it out of their systems and won’t try it again.
FALSE.

Talking to someone about suicide will put the idea into his/her head.
FALSE.
 
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If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, we strongly encourage you to do one or more of the following:

    * Contact a mental health provider on your campus or in your community
    * Call 1-800-273-8255(TALK), the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, for a referral
    * Call your college’s emergency number
    * Call 911