Myths & Misconceptions

A lot of myths surround suicide and depression. Often, people believe they are helpless to a person who is having thoughts of suicide, or that talking about it may nudge the person in the wrong direction. These myths are not true. Educate yourself about these myths and share the truths with others. You may help save a life.

Myth
Those who talk about suicide don't do it. Most of the people who either attempt or die by suicide most likely have given some type of warning signs (direct or indirect) by either talking about it or by giving some type of behavioral clues. Talk of suicide should not be ignored or readily dismissed.
If a person is really intent on killing themselves, there is nothing anybody can do to stop them. Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings and/or are ambivalent about dying. Most people just want to end the pain they are in, not their lives. If a person in crisis gets the professional help they need (using talk therapy and using the right medications), and have a strong support system, they are likely to have a better outcome. Suicide can be prevented in most cases and any act of kindness has the potential to save a life.
If you talk about suicide, you give people the idea to kill themselves. Chances are, if you are worried about someone and you have noticed the warning signs and risk factors, they've probably thought about suicide themselves. Asking somebody directly about their thoughts of suicide often brings a sense of relief and helps them to live, not implant the idea in their mind.
Only experts or professionals can prevent suicide. Suicide prevention is everybody's business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide.

Myth
"Those who talk about suicide don't do it."

Fact
"Most of the people who either attempted or completed suicide have made their intentions known ahead of time by either talking about it or by giving other clues. Talk of suicide should not be ignored or readily dismissed."

Myth
"If a person is really intent on killing themselves, there is nothing anybody can do to stop them."

Fact
"Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings or are ambivalent about dying and most likely just wants to end the pain they are in, not their lives. Often times, if a person in crisis gets the professional help they need, they will never be suicidal again. Suicide can be prevented in most cases and any act of kindness has the potential to save a life."

Myth
"If you talk about suicide, you give people the idea to kill themselves."

Fact
"Chances are, if you are worried about someone and you have noticed the warning signs and risk factors, they've probably thought about suicide themselves. Asking somebody directly about suicidal thoughts often brings a sense of relief to the suicidal person and helps them to live, not give them ideas to die."

Myth
"Only experts or professionals can prevent suicide."

Fact
"Suicide prevention is everybody's business, and anyone can help prevent the tragedy of suicide."

SuicidePreventionAlliance

Get In Touch

  • P.O. Box 62217
    Harrisburg, PA 17106

  • (717) 585-0611

  • info@
    suicidepreventionalliance.org

Additional Information

Who We Are

Suicide Prevention Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps people who are in need of preventative suicide assistance

Suicide Prevention Alliance is a resource organization ONLY. We are NOT a hotline or counseling service/center. However, if you are in a crisis and need immediate help, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and call 988 or chatline at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line and text 741-741 or contact 911.