Myth: “People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.

Truth: Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide talks about it in some way first. DO NOT IGNORE SUICIDE THREATS!

Myth: Only crazy people commit suicide.

Truth: Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They are likely feeling depressed, hopeless, distressed, and are in deep emotional pain but this does not necessarily mean they have lost touch with reality.

Myth: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea to commit suicide.

Truth: Discussing the subject openly and showing that you care is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Myth: If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop him/her.

Truth: Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about dying. The impulse to end it all does not last forever. Most suicidal people do not want to end their life; they want to end their pain.

Myth: People who attempt suicide are just trying to get attention.

Truth: IT DOES NOT MATTER IF THAT IS THE MOTIVATION! If they do not get attention, the results could be fatal.

Myth: No one I know would commit suicide.

Truth: Suicide does not draw boundaries, and it does not have preference.