Fact: Just because suicide implies voluntary action that does not mean that the person really wants to die. Often, a person with suicide thoughts simply wants to escape from pain and even though they may not realise this, death is not the only answer. The chances are the person does not have to die for the pain to stop. Myth: If you ask a person about their suicide thoughts and/or plan, you will encourage the person to die by suicide. Fact: The opposite is true. Asking someone directly about their suicide thoughts will often lower their anxiety level and act as a deterrent. The crisis and resulting emotional distress will already have triggered the thought in a vulnerable person. Your openness and concern in asking about suicide will allow the young person experiencing pain to talk about their thoughts which may reduce their anxiety. This may also allow the young person with suicide thoughts to feel less lonely or isolated, and perhaps be a bit relieved. Myth: All suicides happen without warning. Fact: The majority of suicides happen after verbal or behavioural warning signs. Evidence shows that young people often tell their peers of their thoughts and plans. Some suicides do occur without warning – it is however important to understand what the warning signs are and look out for them. Myth: People who talk about suicide don’t take their own life. Fact: Most people who take their own lives give definite warning signs of their suicide behaviour. People who talk about suicide or make suicide threats must be taken seriously. Myth: A person who thinks about suicide must have poor mental health. Fact: Many people have thought of suicide from time to time. Despite many people with suicide thoughts having poor mental health at the time of an attempt, not all people do.
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