Suicide thoughts and behaviour cont.
Myth: A person who attempts suicide will always have suicide thoughts.
Fact: Most people who are at risk have suicide thoughts for only a brief period in their lives. With proper assistance and support they will probably never have suicide thoughts again (282). Myth: People with suicide thoughts always later carry out suicide behaviour. Fact: Most people with suicide thoughts are undecided, often right up until the last minute, about living or dying. Few people attempt to take their own life without first letting others know how they are feeling. This cry for help is often given in code. If recognised, these distress signals can be used to save lives. Myth: Improvement following suicide thoughts or behaviour means that the risk of suicide is over. Fact: Most suicides occur within three months after the onset period of ‘improvement’, when people have the energy to turn suicide thoughts into action. Relatives and physicians should be especially vigilant during this period of time.
Page 288
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker