Statistics
show that about 15 percent of clinically depressed persons will commit suicide.
So it is essential that we know the facts.
Fable 1:
People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide.
Fact 1: 80 percent of those considering suicide do talk about it in one way or another.
Fact 1: 80 percent of those considering suicide do talk about it in one way or another.
Fable 2:
Suicide happens without warning.
Fact 2: Suicidal people give many clues of their intentions.
Fact 2: Suicidal people give many clues of their intentions.
Fable 3:
Suicidal people are fully intent on dying.
Fact 3: Most are undecided but are willing to take a gamble that someone will discover their plans and intervene.
Fact 3: Most are undecided but are willing to take a gamble that someone will discover their plans and intervene.
Fable 4:
Once a person is suicidal, he is suicidal forever.
Fact 4: Suicidal intentions usually are time-limited.
Fact 4: Suicidal intentions usually are time-limited.
Fable 5:
Improvement after suicidal crisis means the risk is over.
Fact 5: Most suicides occur about three months after improvement begins, when a person has enough energy to act out his or her thoughts.
Fact 5: Most suicides occur about three months after improvement begins, when a person has enough energy to act out his or her thoughts.
Fable 6:
Suicide is more common among the rich.
Fact 6: Suicide occurs in equal proportion throughout society.
Fact 6: Suicide occurs in equal proportion throughout society.
Fable 7:
Suicide is inherited or runs in families.
Fact 7: Suicide is an individual pattern.
Fact 7: Suicide is an individual pattern.
Fable 8: All
suicidal patients are mentally ill.
Fact 8: While extremely unhappy and perturbed prior to death by suicide, many who take their own life would not be judged mentally ill.
Fact 8: While extremely unhappy and perturbed prior to death by suicide, many who take their own life would not be judged mentally ill.
Fable 9:
Deep religious faith makes suicide impossible.
Fact 9: The despair and hopelessness accompanying severe depressive illness can undermine faith.
Fact 9: The despair and hopelessness accompanying severe depressive illness can undermine faith.
Fable 10:
Caregivers (family or friends) can always prevent suicide.
Fact 10: People intent on suicide may succeed even when friends and family do everything possible to prevent this outcome. When this happens, it is not the caregivers’ fault.”
Fact 10: People intent on suicide may succeed even when friends and family do everything possible to prevent this outcome. When this happens, it is not the caregivers’ fault.”
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Expressions of helplessness or hopelessness
- Extreme withdrawal from friends, family, and usual
activities
- Talking about suicide or ending it all
- Self-destructive or risk-taking behavior
- Giving away favorite possessions
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Identification with someone who has committed suicide
- Preoccupation with thoughts of death
- Clear plans
- Previous suicide attempts
