Myth #1 : People who talk about suicide are just trying to get attention.
Reality : People who talk about suicide are usually in a lot of emotional or physical pain and are trying to reach out for help.
According to suicidologist, 80% of those who kill themselves give out warning signs of their suicidal intentions. Some people talk about their intentions specifically, while others may talk about their feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Whenever you encounter a person who talks about suicide, always take them seriously. Make an effort to confirm whether they already have a plan in mind. Do not dismiss their intentions lightly.
Myth #2 : Suicidal people are fully intent on dying.
Reality : Whenever someone considers the act of ending his own life, there is always a wish to live and a wish to die.
So it is vital to help the person see another way out of his problem, lessen his feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, or treat the underlying medical condition that may have led to his intention to die.
Myth #3 : Once a person is suicidal, he is suicidal forever.
Reality : People who have thought about or attempted suicide are not necessarily suicidal for the rest of their lives.
Although they may feel like dying at those critical moments, many of them get on with their lives with help and guidance.
Myth #4 : Improvement following a suicidal crisis means that the crisis is over.
Reality : While people who have thought about, or attempted, suicide are not necessarily suicidal forever, counsellors or family members should remain vigilant for at least 3 months after a suicidal crisis or attempt as there is a chance the attemptor might try again.
It is believed that when people are depressed, they are emotionally and physically exhausted and they might not have the energy to follow through with the act.
However, once they get better, they might have the energy to complete the suicide. That is why it is important to check whether a person still has suicidal thoughts even after he or she gets better.
Myth #5 : Suicide strikes more often among the rich – or, conversely, it occurs more frequently among the poor.
Reality : As with any emotional reaction, suicidal thoughts may be triggered in different people by vastly different issues.
That is why it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.
More info on SUICIDE here.
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