Facts and Myths about Suicide

September is National Suicide Awareness Month.   Up to as many as 1 million people die a year due to suicide. National Suicide Awareness Day was on September 10^th.   People participated in organized walks to bring awareness to suicide and to honor loved ones that have lost their lives due to suicide.  We as a society needs to discuss suicide.  Suicide is not always preventable, but it can be preventable.  Counselors work to improve education about suicide, and we as a society need to end the stigma attached to suicide.  We need start having conversations about suicide.   We need to reach our to our family members, friends, coworkers, and even neighbors who appear to be depressed.   A couple minutes of conversation can save a life.

Myths about suicide:

• Most suicides occur after a traumatic event.
• It is best to avoid talking about suicide. When you talk about suicide, it may encourage someone to think about killing themselves.
• Suicidal people are only seeking attention.
• Religious people do not commit suicide.

Facts: 

• Most people who consider suicide have been feeling bad for quite some time.
• Speaking about suicide may help someone share their feelings of stress and their possible suicidal plan.
• If someone has a history of having suicidal thoughts, they are at greater risk for suicide.
• Even religious people get depressed and can be so overwhelmed with sadness that they may consider suicide.

Help:

• If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or Crisis Services at (716) 834-3131. Please visit www.suicidepreventionhotline.org for more information on suicide prevention, awareness, and warning signs.