Some Common Myths about Suicide
| MYTHS | TRUTH |
| Only certain types of people think of suicide |
Anyone can have thoughts of suicide and no one is immune |
| People who talk about suicide are just attention-seeking |
People who talk about suicide are doing so because it is being considered as an option & what they need is someone to listen |
| Once a person is intent upon suicide there is nothing we can do to stop them | Most people thinking about suicide want to end the pain, not their life. With care and support, they will seek alternatives to dying. |
| Teenagers have the highest rates of suicide | Every suicide is a tragedy, but it is even more tragic when the suicide death is of a teen. However, teenagers do not have the highest rates – or numbers – of suicides. It is particularly prevalent among young men in their 20’s and 30’s, but also in men over 75. |
| Asking someone about suicide might put the idea in their head | This common – but unfounded – fear has stopped many people from asking about thoughts of suicide. The idea is likely already there and needs to be talked about |
| Suicide is more common among people from lower socio economic groups and the unemployed | Suicide thoughts and behaviours are found across all socio economic and income groups. They do not discriminate |
| People who talk about suicide don’t do it | Unfortunately they do – especially if no-one is listening and taking them seriously |