Facts and Myths of Teenage Suicide
Myth
Teens who talk about suicide rarely complete suicide.
Fact
Most of the teens that attempt or complete suicide give clues or warnings of their intentions. Do not ignore statements like, “You’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” or “I can’t see my way out. No matter how casually or jokingly said, these may really indicate suicide feelings.
Myth
Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
Fact
Actually, the opposite is true. Asking someone directly will often lower the anxiety level and act as a deterrent to suicidal behavior. Discussing suicide openly and honestly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Myth
Improvement following a suicide crisis means risk is over.
Fact
The greatest danger of suicide exists during the first three months following an attempt or deep depression. A “miraculous, overnight recovery” could be significant danger signal. It may take months to feel consistently better and in control.
Myth
Suicidal people are mentally ill.
Fact
Perhaps only about 25 percent of them are actually psychotic. Although many suicidal people suffer extreme distress and emotional pain, these are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
Myth
There are not correlations between alcohol and suicide.
Fact
Alcohol and suicide often go hand in hand. People wishing to complete suicide frequently do so under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Even people who do not normally drink may ingest alcohol shortly before killing themselves.
Myth
The suicidal person wants to die and feels there is no turning back.
Fact
Suicidal people are usually ambivalent, wavering until the last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not die.
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