Blog

Deb Gleeson - 24 June 2017

Myths about suicide

One of the barriers to people with suicidal thoughts getting help when they need it is the many myths that abound about suicide in our community.

Myth 1: You should never ask someone if they are thinking of suicide because this might put the idea into their head.

The facts: asking people about suicide can't put the idea into their head.

• It can decrease their distress
  
• It gives the person permission to talk about how they are feeling
  
• It decreases feelings of being alone, helpless and in pain.
  

Myth 2: People who talk about suicide are trying to manipulate others

The facts: people who talk about suicide are in pain and need help

• People often talk about suicide before dying by suicide.
  
• Please take all talk about suicide seriously
  

Myth 3: A person who is thinking about suicide definitely wants to die.

The facts: Most people who are thinking about suicide actually don't want to die

• They may be feeling that they don't want to live life the way it is.
  
• They are in pain and want to stop the pain
  
• Suicidal thoughts are common, acting on them is not.
  

Myth 4: People who talk about suicide under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs should not be taken seriously.

The facts: anyone who talks about suicide must be taken seriously

• Intoxication increases the risk of suicide
  
• Alcohol is a mood amplifier and disinhibiter
  

Myth 5: You can tell how determined someone is to die by suicide by the method they intend to use.

The facts: Most people choose a method on the means being available and what they believe will work for them

• You should not determine a person's determination to die by the method to be used.
  

PLEASE TAKE ALL TALK AND SIGNS OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIOURS SERIOUSLY.

What can you do?

A)Ask the person if they are considering suicide straight out:

• 'Are you thinking of killing yourself'
  
• 'Are you having thoughts of suicide'
  

B) If the person says yes do not leave them alone.

C) Get help: Involve the person in who should be told and what help should be called.

• Call 000
  
• Get the person to their GP
  
• Call the Mental Health Triage team
  
• Go to a hospital emergency department.
  
• help that the person has used successfully on the past

Remember Mental Health is everyone's business