Suicide: Fact vs Fiction

SUICIDE: Fact vs Fiction
Fiction	FACT
If people talk about killing themselves, they will not really do it.	Talking about suicide often is a clue to or warning of a person’s intent. Always take any mention of suicide seriously.
Suicidal tendencies are inherited.	Although several suicides can happen in one family, it appears to be a response to previous suicides rather than genetically transmitted.
People who are suicidal want to die, believing there is no turning back.	People who are suicidal want to get rid of their problems more than they do their lives.
All people who are suicidal are deeply depressed.	People contemplating suicide frequently are depressed. However, a more positive demeanor may be observed because they have decided to resolve their problems through suicide.
There is a low correlation between alcoholism and suicide.	Alcohol may trigger a suicide attempt and is often ingested before suicide by both alcoholics and non-drinkers.
People who are suicidal are mentally ill.	People experiencing mental illness may commit suicide, but the majority of people who are suicidal appear to be emotionally healthy.
A person who has attempted suicide should be considered to be permanently at a high risk for further attempts.	People become suicidal during temporary moments of crisis. With proper support, they are able to regain perspective about their circumstances as well as their will to live. Only 10 percent of attempters later complete the act of suicide.
Asking people if they are having suicidal thoughts might trigger a suicide attempt.	Asking people about suicidal intent may lower their anxiety level and act as a deterrent to suicidal behavior by encouraging them to express their feelings.
Suicide is more common among lower income groups.	Suicide crosses all socio-economic boundaries, and not one class is more susceptible than another.
Professional people do not commit suicide.	Physicians, lawyers, dentists, and pharmacists have high suicide rates.
When depression lifts, there no longer is any risk of suicide.	The greatest danger of suicide exists during the first several months after a person recovers from a deep depression.
Suicide occurs without warning.	Most suicides are planned in advance, and clues suggesting suicidal intent usually can be observed prior to a suicide attempt.
Did this information help you? Your comments are important to us! Click here to give your feedback. Parents Trauma Resource Center www.tlcinstitute.org • 877-306-5256 © TLC Institute 2004

This website is a service of The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), a program of Starr Commonwealth. All information listed in this site is meant to be used as a guide only and not as a substitute for professional counseling. If you have questions that you would like to ask our TLC Certified Trauma Specialist on staff, or would like a recommendation for a TLC Certified Trauma Specialist in your area please call TLC toll-free at 877-306-5256 or email steele@tlcinst.org