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Common misconceptions about suicide

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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.

Suicide data: Common frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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How many people die each year by suicide?

In 2013, there were 12.6 suicide deaths per 100,000 of population in the United States. From 1986 to 2000, suicide rates in the United States dropped from 12.5 to 10.4 suicide deaths per 100,000 people, but the rate has generally increased ever since. Source: www.afsp.org

There were 41,149 deaths by self-harm (suicide) in the U.S. in 2013. Source: CDC.gov Suicide data: Common frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the most common causes of death?

In 2013, firearms were the most common method of death by suicide. Guns account for 51.4% of all suicide deaths. The next most common method is were suffocation, which includes hangings at 24.5%. Poisoning is 16.1% Source: www.afsp.org

What is the demographic profile of people who kill themselves? 

MIDDLE AGERS: In 2013, the highest suicide rate (19.1 per 100,000) was among people ages 45 to 64 years old.

OLD AGE: The second highest rate (18.6 per 100,000) occurred in those 85 years and older.

TEENS: In 2013, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000.

GENDER: The suicide rate is four times higher among men than women. In 2013, men had a suicide rate of 20.2, while women had a rate of 5.5.
Of those who died by suicide in 2013, 77.9% were men and 22.1% were women.

RACE: In 2013, the highest U.S. suicide rate (14.2) was among Whites. The second highest rate (11.7) was among American Indians and Alaska Natives. For Asians and Pacific Islanders the rate is 5.8, Blacks (5.4) and Hispanics (5.7).

Source: www.afsp.org

Is there a time of year where suicide rates are highest?

Late spring is the time of the year when the most people tend to kill themselves, and not the end of the year holiday season as conventional wisdom suggests. During the cold months of winter, people go into a kind of semi-hibernation, so they work less, connect with fewer people, and as a consequence experience less frustration and diminished conflict. In the spring, work increased and the resulting stress might – it is theorized – trigger suicidal thoughts and ultimately behavior. People working on farms or in a factory where there is greater seasonal variation of work and contact with people appear to be the most suceptible. Cubical office workers commit suicide more frequently in the fall. Mothers become more suicidal in September once they send their child(ren) off to school. Source: Slate.com

What causes depression?

Scientists aren’t clear on what causes depression. What is know is that depression is caused by a variety of factors, which can include a person’s genetic makeup, their biochemical environment, personal experience and psychological factors. In some people a lack of melatonin can trigger depression. This is known as seasonal affected disorder (SAD). A traumatic or terrible event in someone’s life can trigger depression. Source: MedicalNewsToday.com

Is depression curable?

Depression is thought not to be curable, but it is highly treatable with a variety of drugs and therapies.

Is suicide genetic?

A  study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has discovered evidence that there is a specific gene that is  linked to suicidal behavior. The research could help doctors to target the gene in prevention efforts. Source: ScienceDaily.com

Are suicidal warning signs always present?

Not always. However the signs can also be subtle and only obvious in hindsight. Source: suicideispreventable.org

Does suicide happen without warning?

There are usually warning signs well in advance of any attempted suicide including. Listen to what they say. Watch for new or change in behavior and observe their mood. Here are the warning signs that someone may commit suicide.

A person talks about:

  • Killing themselves.
  • Having no reason to live.
  • Being a burden to others.
  • Feeling trapped.
  • Unbearable pain.

A person’s suicide risk is increased when a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss or a change.

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Seeking a way to kill themselves (ie. searching online for information or methods).
  • Behaving recklessly.
  • Avoiding or withdrawing from activities.
  • Isolating themselves from family and friends.
  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Visiting people or calling them to say goodbye.
  • Gifting prized possessions to other people.
  • Aggressive behavior.

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods.

  • Depression.
  • Loss of interest.
  • Rage.
  • Irritability.
  • Humiliation.
  • Anxiety.

Source: www.afsp.org

Which chronic illnesses are often paired with depression?

Source: MedicineNet.com

What you need to know about suicide

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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:

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

 

Myths about suicide and depression – and what you can do

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Myth: The people who talk about suicide don’t take their lives

Research studies show that 75% or more of all suicides took actions in the weeks or months before their deaths that clearly shows they were in deep despair. Any person that expresses suicidal feelings should get immediate attention from a professional and support from friends and family.

Myth: Anyone who tries to kill himself is crazy

Only about 10% of all suicidal people are psychotic or have delusional beliefs about reality. Most suicidal people are suffering from severe depression; but many depressed people can still manage their daily lives and function. If someone is not acting crazy or weird, it doesn’t mean there is no risk of suicide. Seemingly completely normal acting people someones are suffering in silence and take their lives unexpectedly.

Those problems weren’t enough to commit suicide over, is often said by people who knew a completed suicide. You cannot assume that because you feel something is not worth being suicidal about, that the person you are with feels the same way. It is not how bad the problem is, but how badly it’s hurting the person who has it.

Remember: Suicidal behavior is a cry for help.

Myth: If a someone is going to kill himself, nothing can stop him

The fact that a person is still alive is adequate proof that part of them wants to remain alive. The suicidal person tends to be ambivalent — part of them wants to live and part of them wants the pain to end and death is way to stop it. It is the part of the sufferer that really wants to live that says to another person: I want to kill myself. If a suicidal person reaches out to you, it is likely because they believe you are caring, informed about coping with life, and they feel they can trust you. No matter how negative they may seem, the act of speaking about suicide to you is an act of reaching out and a request for help .

Give  help sooner

Suicide prevention is not a sudden act. It is a planned process. Many suicidal people are afraid that asking for help will bring them additional pain because others might react by telling the sufferer that they are stupid, foolish, (in some cases) sinful. Some might be accused of manipulation. Other reactions can be rejection or punishment. There is a fear of suspension from school or job.  Your job as the recipient of a cry for help it to everything you can to reduce their pain, rather than increase or prolong it. Helping, listening and offering support early as possible will reduce the risk of suicide.

Be available to listen

Give the person every opportunity to unburden his troubles and ventilate his feelings. You don’t need to say much and there are no magic words. If you are concerned, your voice and manner will show it. Give him relief from being alone with their pain and let them know you are grateful that they turned to you. Offer: patience, sympathy, acceptance. And do not engage in arguments or give advice. Ask them pointedly: Are you considering suicide?

Myth: Talking about suicide might give someone the idea to take their life

People already have the idea. Suicide is in the news media all the time. If you ask a depressed person this question you are doing a good thing for them: you are showing him that you care about him, that you take him seriously, you are listening and that you are there to let him share his pain with you. You are giving him a way to get rid of his painful feelings. If the person is having thoughts of suicide, find out how far along his ideas are about taking his life. It is just thoughts or has he started to plan actions?

If the person is clearly suicidal and ready to act, do not leave them alone.

If the means to take their lives are available then remove them.
Urge professional help.
You will need persistence and patience and may needed to seek, engage and continue to suggest as many options as possible.
If the person finds a professional to help them, continue to be available for them and offer your ongoing support and care.

Seek allies and help for yourself

Your suffering friend may say: “Don’t tell anyone.” It is the part of them that wants to stay alive that is sharing the secret with you that they may take their own life. Go and get your own help. Find someone you can trust and who can support you and review the situation with them. (You can get help and still protect someone’s privacy, if you wish.)  Sharing your own anxieties and responsibilities of suicide prevention will make it easier and more effective.

Most people have suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point in their lives; yet less than 2% of all deaths are suicides. Nearly all suicidal people suffer from conditions that will pass with time or with the help of a mental health recovery program. There are hundreds of small and simple steps you can take to improve your response to a suicidal person and to make it easy for them to find and get help. Taking these steps will save a life and reduce his suffering.