SUICIDE MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS
Many common beliefs about suicide are actually misconceptions. The following are taken from the
Hunter Institute of Mental Health and each of the responses are drawn from research and clinical practice.
Hunter Institute of Mental Health and each of the responses are drawn from research and clinical practice.
Myth: People who talk about killing themselves will not actually do it
Actually, many people who attempt or complete suicide give verbal or non-verbal clues to others before the incident. Any suggestion of suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously. Myth: Most suicides occur without warning In most cases, there has been a history of personal problems, warning signs, mental health issues, suicide threats or prior attempts. However people may have been unaware of the overall pattern of behaviour or may not have considered individual signs to be serious. Myth: 'Normal' people don't think about suicide Measuring suicidal thoughts is difficult, but research suggests that thoughts about suicide are not that uncommon, although thankfully most people do not act on these. Myth: People who attempt suicide are just selfish or weak People who attempt suicide are often experiencing strong negative feelings (depression, guilt, fear, anxiety) and may believe that there is no other solution. People in this situation need professional and personal support, not judgement. Myth: Females are not serious about ending their lives when they make suicide attempts Although females make more frequent and less lethal attempts, it cannot be assumed that they do not seriously intend to take their own life. All suicidal behaviour should be treated seriously. Myth: Once a person has attempted suicide, they're not likely to try again It has been clearly established that individuals who have attempted suicide have an increased risk for subsequent suicidal behaviour. This is a recognised risk factor. |
Myth: Most suicidal people will not tell anyone or seek help
Many people thinking about suicide will tell someone of their plans and some will certainly seek professional help for suicidal thinking. A significant proportion of people will visit their GP or other health professional in the three months prior to suicide - although some may not raise their suicidal thoughts during the visit. Myth: Talking about suicide with someone who is at risk will give them the idea and increase the chances of an attempted suicide Actually, many troubled people may be relieved if the issue is raised in a caring and non-judgemental way, allowing them to talk one-on-one about their feelings and to seek help. However, specifically raising the issue of suicide in a group setting, such as a school classroom, is not recommended. Myth: Suicidal threats or attempts are just attention-seeking behaviours and should be ignored It may be true that some acts are aimed mainly at attracting attention, but no suicide threat or instance of self-harm should be ignored. A person who threatens suicide or harms themselves is in need of personal and professional support, whether or not they were serious about ending their life at that particular time. Addressing the underlying problems may reduce the risk of further attempts or threats. Myth: If you promise to keep a person's suicide plan secret, you should keep that promise and not break confidentiality Any information suggesting a person is contemplating suicide should be acted upon. A serious threat of suicide is one of the few situations where confidentiality must be breached in the interest of saving a life. Source: The Hunter Institute of Mental Health Response Ability http://www.responseability.org/site/index.cfm?display=134919 |