Helping Youth: Suicide Affects More People Than We Realize

Suicide prevention amongst youth starts with each of us. The tragic fact is that most of us knew someone who has committed, or attempted, suicide—and many of us don't even realize it. Discover and dispel commonly-held suicide prevention myths to better learn how to make a difference. 

Each person's story is different and there are times when our best efforts will not keep someone from ending their life. Yet, we know that family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors CAN make a person feel less alone. What we say and do can make a difference.

There are, however, some myths about suicide prevention that it is important to dispel. Consider just a few:

Myth: People who inflict harm on themselves usually do not commit suicide
Truth: Self-harm is an established risk factor for suicide. Intervention when self-harm is recognized can save a life.

Myth: It's better not to mention suicide to someone you suspect is considering it. This could spur them to take action.
Truth: Talking about suicide when someone is considering it gives them the opportunity to verbalize it and work through it (and hopefully past it) as well as to seek professional help.

Myth: People who talk about committing suicide are just doing it to get attention.
Truth: All mentions of suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. Rarely does a person consider suicide just to get attention. More often, motives for suicide are: wishing to die, to escape mental anguish, or self-punishment.

Myth: Once someone considers suicide, this will be a life-long struggle.
Truth: Most people who have suicidal ideation will not go on to commit suicide. They need to be kept safe during their ideation.

As a caregiver and/or parent, besides keeping young people physically safe if they show signs of suicidal ideation, the most important thing you can do is alert parents so they can seek professional support. Those considering suicide may be crying out for help; take every sign of suicidal ideation seriously. It may save his or her life.

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What is Your Opinion?

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