Suicide can be prevented by breaking what could be a fatal secret, offering help, getting other people (especially loved ones) to be informed and responsive, creating a community of support around a person who is at risk.  There are many ways to do this, and sometimes it can help to get advice or counseling about what steps to take if you are concerned that a person you know is suicidal.  It is always better to do something rather than nothing.

 

1-800-273-TALK (8255): NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

Toll-free. Confidential crisis counseling, 24/7.  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

 

 

MYTH:  Young people who talk about suicide rarely attempt it.

 

FACT: Most young people who attempt or complete suicide have spoken about it.

 

 

MYTH: Talking about suicide will encourage young people to think about it or attempt it.

 

FACT: Talking about suicide will not "put ideas" into the minds of young people or encourage them to become suicidal.  There is strong evidence that once a suicide occurs in a community, others may follow in a type of "contagious" reaction if the topic is not discussed.

MYTH: The tendency toward being suicidal is genetically inherited.

 

FACT: There is no evidence of a genetic basis or link to suicide  A previous suicide in the family may create a destructive model for dealing with stress and depression.

 

 

MYTH: Most Teen suicides occur at night.

 

FACT: Most teenage suicides occur between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in the afternoon, presumably when the suicidal person can be seen and stopped.

 

 

MYTH: Suicidal people leave notes.

 

FACT: Only a small percentage of suicidal people leave notes.

 

 

MYTH: If a person wants to commit suicide, nothing can stop them.

 

FACT: No one is suicidal all of the time.  Suicidal people often express mixed feelings about death.  Many suicides can be prevented.

 

 

MYTH: Youth who commit suicide are mentally ill.

 

FACT: Mental illness increases the risk of suicide.  However, many young people who attempt suicide are reacting (impulsively) to an accumulation of stressors and might react very differently if given more time.  They might not be considered mentally ill.

 

 

MYTH: A teen who has been suicidal is never out of danger.

 

FACT: Many young people who have been depressed or suicidal recover and lead productive, normal lives.  They learn constructive ways to cope with their feelings.  They achieve a greater sense of control over their choices and lives.  

 

 

1. Previous threats or attempts of suicide.

 

2. Support or interest in a person who has committed suicide (such as a role model or celebrity).

 

3. Expressed feelings of failure.

 

4. Radical personality changes (e.g. persistent sadness, loss of interest in usual activities).

 

5. Withdrawal from family, friends and regular activities.

 

6. Changes in eating and/or sleeping patterns.

 

7. Neglect of personal appearance.

 

8. A decline in the quality of school-work.

 

9. Expressions of anger, rebelliousness, violence.

 

10. Drug and/or alcohol abuse.

 

11. Verbal hints (e.g. "I will not be a problem for you much longer," or "Nothing matters").

 

12. Giving away favorite possessions. 

 

13. Suddenly becoming cheerful after a prolonged depression (which may indicate the decision to commit suicide has been made).

 

 

 What To Do If I'm Concerned That A Person May Be Suicidal?