Myth Busters

	Suicide Myths Myth People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide. Fact Most people who commit suicide have talked about or given definite warning signs of their suicidal intentions. Myth Suicide happens without warning. Fact There are almost always warning signs, but others are often unaware of the significance of the warnings or unsure about what to do. Myth Suicidal people are fully intent on dying. Nothing others do or say can help. Fact Suicide is preventable. Most suicidal people desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems. Myth Once someone is suicidal, they are suicidal forever. Fact Most suicidal people are suicidal for only limited periods of time. However, someone who has made an attempt is at increased risk for future attempts. Myth Improvement after a suicidal crisis means that the risk of suicide is over. Fact Many suicides occur several months after the beginning of improvement, when a person has energy to act on suicidal thoughts. Myth Suicide strikes most often among the rich, or conversely, among the poor. Fact Suicide cuts across social and economic boundaries