Sometimes we stumble across that someone who seems like he/she is experiencing one of the lowest points in their lives. It could have been something that they let slip in conversation, something peculiar that they have shared on Facebook, or just a general intuition that you might have about this person. You know you should do something, but you’re just not sure whether you’re supposed to, whether this person is just begging for attention, or whether you’d make things worse. Feeling confused is a natural state when coming across a situation that is hardly a common everyday encounter, especially with all the stigma surrounding the subject of suicide. So just to ease your doubts a little, here are a few myths regarding the topic that may clear you confusion.
Myth 1: Those who threaten suicide don’t actually mean it.
False. This is probably one of the most common myths around. People who are thinking of taking their own lives more often than not mention it once or twice in front of company. Even though your gut feeling tells you that this person is crying wolf at the moment, you might be right for now, but not for the future. Chances are, the act of mentioning suicide itself is a cry for help from the individual, or a way of reaching out.
False. This is probably one of the most common myths around. People who are thinking of taking their own lives more often than not mention it once or twice in front of company. Even though your gut feeling tells you that this person is crying wolf at the moment, you might be right for now, but not for the future. Chances are, the act of mentioning suicide itself is a cry for help from the individual, or a way of reaching out.
Myth 3: Questioning someone about their suicidal thoughts may drive them even more to suicide.
False. According to experts, talking to a suicidal individual about suicide will not give him or her even more ideas. In fact, the opposite is more true – discussing it openly and lending your listening ear alone might just save this person’s life.
False. According to experts, talking to a suicidal individual about suicide will not give him or her even more ideas. In fact, the opposite is more true – discussing it openly and lending your listening ear alone might just save this person’s life.
Myth 2: Once the decision for suicide has been made, nothing will stop them.
False. Almost all folks who have made the decision to take their lives, only do so as a last resort. They may not have had a clear enough mind to think about other alternatives, but nevertheless they have feelings like the rest of us - feelings of fear, of loss, of sadness. No hope is lost as long as the person is still in this world.
False. Almost all folks who have made the decision to take their lives, only do so as a last resort. They may not have had a clear enough mind to think about other alternatives, but nevertheless they have feelings like the rest of us - feelings of fear, of loss, of sadness. No hope is lost as long as the person is still in this world.
Myth 4: People who want to kill themselves are probably crazy.
False. The labelling of ‘crazy’ has been slowly reducing as the field of mental health is gaining awareness, but nevertheless there are some who may think along these lines. Depression, grief, anxiety are common occurrences in any individual. Some may experience it to extremities, others have figured out how to deal with it. All mental states/disorders can be treated and controlled if one is given the right resources.
False. The labelling of ‘crazy’ has been slowly reducing as the field of mental health is gaining awareness, but nevertheless there are some who may think along these lines. Depression, grief, anxiety are common occurrences in any individual. Some may experience it to extremities, others have figured out how to deal with it. All mental states/disorders can be treated and controlled if one is given the right resources.
Myth 5: Suicide does not affect the elderly.
False. Research has shown that older people are in fact at a higher risk for committing suicide.
False. Research has shown that older people are in fact at a higher risk for committing suicide.
If you encounter someone whom you think is suicidal, do not hesitate to approach him or her to broach the subject. Just remember that it is better to be safe than sorry, and even if you were wrong in your gut feeling, the person whom you were approaching would probably be grateful to know that you cared enough in the first place. So, what is there to lose?
360 Celsius in support of
Suicide Prevention Week 2013
Suicide Prevention Week 2013
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