• Seton Hall University
• Suicide Prevention

 8 Common Myths

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1. Talking about suicide will cause suicide. 
   Asking directly if a person is considering suicide can actually help! Having an honest, straightforward discussion can actually reduce thoughts of suicide. 
2. Suicide only affects people with a mental health condition.
   There are many people living with a mental illness who don’t experience suicidal thoughts and there are people who attempt or die by suicide who don’t have a mental illness. Many factors play a role such as major life events, relationship problems, financial trouble, terminal illness, etc. 
3. Suicide happens without warning.
   While there aren’t always warning signs, many people exhibit verbal warning signs or have changes in their behavior beforehand. That’s why it’s important to learn the warning signs. 
4. If someone tells me they are thinking of suicide, I can’t tell anyone.
   If a person’s life is in danger, you may need to tell others in order to get them the help they need. Don’t ever promise to keep a person’s suicidal thoughts a secret. 
5. Suicides are always carefully planned out. 
   Sometimes people have a plan, but sometimes it happens on impulse. This is more common among young people, especially those who are using alcohol or other substances.
6. People who die by suicide always want to die. 
   Many people who attempt or die by suicide are looking for a way to end emotional pain and may see suicide as the only way to stop their suffering. \
7. Suicide is selfish.
   In many cases, people who attempt or die by suicide feel that they are a burden to their loved ones and believe others are better off without them. 
8. Once a person decides to attempt, you can’t change their mind.
   Suicides are preventable. Any positive action you take can potentially save a life. Asking the questions, listening, being there for them and connecting them with help are all things that make a difference. Learn how to respond