Common misconceptions about suicide

Myth #1: Most people who threaten to commit suicide aren’t really serious about it.

Truth: Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously. Anyone who threatens to commit suicide has likely considered it or is considering it. Sometimes phrases said jokingly like “would you miss me if I was dead” is a way to communicate what they’ve been thinking and find out what you think (if you would be hurt if they were gone). Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some verbal clue.

Myth #2: People who try to kill themselves are crazy

Truth: Most suicidal people are actually dealing with a somewhat rational frame of mind given their circumstances. Many are dealing with emotional pain from major life crises or a physiological chemical imbalance. Long term, daily emotional pain can be debilitating. Sometimes people consider suicide as the only way they see to get relief.

Myth #3: If a person truly wants to commit suicide there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.

Truth: Taking your life is not an easy thing to do. No one wants to be in a situation to have to deal with this dilemma. Most often even if someone is very serious about committing suicide, they will likely have mixed feelings about death until the very last moment. Most suicidal people do not want to die. They feel it’s the only way to end their suffering.

Myth #4: Suicide is avoiding dealing with problems

Truth: Most people who attempt or successfully commit suicide try to get help many times. They seek help from professionals and close loved ones.

Myth #5: Suicidal people are selfish

Truth: People who attempt or commit suicide are not trying to hurt anyone. Often they take many actions to get help and put off suicide so they don’t hurt family and friends. When they don’t get the help they need and the pain becomes to great, they feel they have no choice.

Who is most susceptible to suicide?

People who consider suicide are dealing with Major Depression. They experience suicidal thoughts and feelings as a result of emotional pain from either life circumstances, biological malfunctions, or a combination of the two.

The major depression that’s linked to suicide can happen to anyone. No one is exempt. Which means, suicide is not about a moral weakness or character flaw. When life becomes too difficult either from circumstances a person can’t control or from physical pain (which can be neurological) it’s only a logical train of thought to start considering suicide.

What causes a person to think about committing suicide?

Many variables contribute to an individual’s decision to end his/her life. They can range from factors such as the loss of a loved one, childhood abuse or other forms of major trauma, to serious physical illness or major life changes. These occurrences can lead a person to feel completely overwhelmed and unable to cope. Without proper support from community, a person will start to think about suicide and may eventually choose to take their life.

At what stage of life is a person most susceptible?

Seriously considering suicide can happen at any stage of life. Though, children can have depression, a person isn’t likely to think about suicide until their teen years. Suicidal thoughts can happen anywhere from age 16 to senior years.

The most serious cases are teens and middle-age men. When a person in either of these categories says they are thinking about committing suicide get help immediately. Don’t wait. Teens can attempt suicide as a call for help and end up killing themselves. Middle-aged men, on the other hand, are planned and deliberate. When they no longer want to live they take immediate action.

Can suicide be prevented?

Suicide is 100% preventible. Considering suicide at one point or another is actually quite normal. Seriously thinking about and planning for suicide is more serious, but people who deal with this can completely reverse the way they feel in a matter or moments to months. There are treatments that can help with the Major Depression that leads to suicide.

If you’re suicidal what should you do?

Go see a doctor. Get a second or third opinion. Get a formal diagnosis and do your own research and interviews with family members to ensure its accuracy.

Once you have an accurate diagnosis start a treatment plan. You should research all your treatment actions before you choose to undergo what’s been advised. Make sure you evaluate your treatment with your doctor ongoingly to ensure it’s working effectively.

The personal actions you can take that will impact your mood are to eat healthy, non-processed food involving all food groups and get regular fitness. You also want to ensure you social regularly, take time for yourself and work a daily job that satisfies you. If you are not happy with a component of your life, create a plan to make changes immediately.

What are the treatments methods for someone who feels suicidal?

Treatment could be one or a combination of the following:

Medication
Psychological therapies
Learning and incorporating new healthy life choice: Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, working, socializing, relaxing