Myth: "You have to be crazy even to think about suicide."

Fact: Most people have thought of suicide from time to time. Most suicides and suicide attempts are made by intelligent, temporarily confused individuals who are expecting too much of themselves, especially in the midst of a crisis. Although many suicidal people are depressed and distraught, most could not be diagnosed as mentally ill.

Myth: A tendency toward suicide is inherited and passed from generation to
generation.

Fact: Suicide is a behavior and is not inherited. Given the right circumstances, almost anyone can become suicidal.

Myth: People who talk about killing themselves rarely commit suicide.

Fact: Most people who commit suicide have given some clue or warning of their intent. Always treat threats and attempts seriously.

Myth: The suicidal person wants to die and feels that there is no turning
back.

Fact: Suicidal people are often ambivalent about dying and frequently call for help immediately following their suicide attempt.

Myth: Once a person is seriously considering suicide, there is nothing you
can do.

Fact: Most suicide crises are time-limited and based on unclear thinking. Persons attempting suicide want to escape their problems. Instead, they need to confront their problems directly in order to find other solutions - solutions which can be found with the help of concerned individuals who support them through the crisis period, until they are able to think more clearly.

Myth: If you ask a person about their suicidal intentions, you will encourage the person to kill himself or herself.

Fact: The opposite is true. Asking someone directly about their suicidal feelings 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 person experiencing pain to talk about the problems which may help reduce his or her anxiety. This may also allow the person with suicidal thoughts to feel less lonely or isolated, and perhaps a bit
relieved.

Myth: Suicide is most common among blue collar, working class people.

Fact: Suicide crosses all socioeconomic groups, none is more susceptible than another.

Myth: A person who attempts suicide will always be "suicidal".

Fact : Most people who are at risk feel suicidal for only a brief period in their lives. With proper assistance and support, they will probably never by suicidal again.

Myth: Suicidal people rarely seek medical attention.

Fact: About seventy-five percent of suicidal people visit a physician within three months of a suicide attempt.

Myth: When the depression lifts, there is no longer a danger of suicide.

Fact: The greatest danger of suicide exists during the first three months after a person recovers from a deep depression.

Myth: Suicide is a spontaneous act that occurs without warning.

Fact: Most suicidal people plan their self-destruction in advance and present clues indicating their intentions.