“Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds
resources for coping with pain”
Myths of Suicide
1. It’s a way of getting attention, ignoring the person is the
best thing to do.
2. There are no warning signs
Not True: 8 out of 10 suicidal people give warning signs
3. Nothing can stop someone who wants to commit suicide
Not True: Almost everyone thinks about suicide at some
point in their lives, but only 2% of all deaths are due to
suicide. Nearly all suicidal people suffer from some type of
disorder that will pass with time or that can be affectively
treated
4. Those who talk about it won’t do it
Not True: Talking about suicide is one of the warning signs
5. A person who attempts suicide will never try again
Not True: 30-40% of people who commit suicide have made a
previous attempt
6. This person isn’t the “type” to commit suicide
7. Only crazy people commit suicide
Actually only 10% of suicidal people are psychotic or have
delusional beliefs about reality
Most suicidal people do suffer from some form of depression
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People usually think about suicide when they are in a great
deal of pain. The pain causes them to act differently
8 out of 10 suicidal people will give warning signs
Warning Signs
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Withdrawal from activities
Depression
Decrease in performance at school or work
Increase in use of drugs or alcohol
Self-demeaning statements, “I’m no good” or “You’d be
better of without me”
Previous suicide attempts
Daring or risk-taking behaviour
Sense of hopelessness
Increased hostility or negativity towards others
Problems with sleeping and eating
Increased anxiety
Death or terminal illness of someone close
Divorce, separation, broken relationship, stress on family
Loss of job, home, money, status, self-esteem
What To Do If You Think Someone Is Suicidal
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Trust your instincts that the person might be in trouble
Talk with the person, more importantly LISTEN
Ask direct questions, find out if the person has a specific
plan to carry out the suicide, the more detailed the plan, the
greater the risk
Do not be judgmental
Get professional help
Do not leave the person alone
Do not swear to secrecy
Do not act shocked or judgmental
Do not think that you can handle it alone
Statistics of Suicide
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Eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.
More years of life lost to suicide than any other cause of
death except heart disease
Ratio of attempts to deaths: 10:1
Suicide rates are highest in old age, 40% of suicide victims
are over 60
After age 75, rate is 3 X higher than average
After age 80, in men the rate is 6X higher than average
Substance abuse is involved in 50% of suicide attempts
Remember: Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary
problem. No problem is worth dying for.