Myths and Facts of Suicidal Behaviour

Myth:	People who talk about suicide don't go through with suicide.
Fact:	The majority (80-90%) of people who kill themselves have given definite warnings of their suicidal intentions. Some studies have indicated that approximately 66% of people who had suicided had visited a GP in the month preceding the suicide. For example, some 39% of males and 76% of females had some form of contact with a mental health service (not necessarily inpatient treatment) within the last one month of their lives (Qld Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2003-2008). This does not mean however, that the individuals actually 'communicated' their intent to suicide during the visit, but that in any case, the signs were not identified.
Myth:	Suicide happens without warning.
Fact:	Studies reveal that majority of suicidal people give many clues and warnings regarding their suicidal intentions. Only a small number of suicides could not have been prevented.
Myth:	Suicide only happens to the poor, or the unemployed, or the mentally ill.
Fact:	Suicide happens to anyone, rich or poor, employed, homeless, and can occur amongst any members at all levels of the society.
Myth:	If you talk about suicide then you make it worse, you can make someone suicide.
Fact:	Talking about suicide is the first step to being able to help. In fact, there is not evidence that talking about it makes it worse. Research suggests that people who are suicidal are even more relieved by having someone to ask if they are OK.
Myth:	All suicidal people are mentally ill.
Fact:	Many studies have demonstrated that many people who die by suicide have NO mental illness, but the causes of their death relate to external factors such as stress, financial dificulties, relationship problems etc. Studies have shown however, that there is a high correlation between suicide and mental illness, and that between 60-90% of those who suicide have had some type of mental illness. However, it is important to note that on the other hand, not all people with a mental illness are suicidal.
Myth:	Suicide is caused by ONE traumatic event or cause.
Fact:	A sudden traumatic event may precipitate or trigger off a decision to suicide, but it is unlikely to be the only cause. There are many complex and interrelated factors that contribute to suicide which may have been present over a prolonged period of time. And, these factors will be unique to each individual.
Myth:	Suicide runs in families.
Fact:	Suicide cannot be 'caught' like the 'flu' or other frequently transmitted diseases. Suicide can be a 'learned' behaviour or way of coping with stress. It may also be a copied behaviour within families as the 'solution' to a problem. Therefore, family members may model poor coping skills to children, cousins etc. The only link or association between families and suicidal behaviour may be in the case where 'depression' (or low serotonin levels within the brain, which is biological), is genetically linked. In this way, depression may lead to suicidal behaviours, but only in some instances.