When Someone is Thinking About Suicide

Debunking Common Suicide Myths

Debunking Common Suicide Myths

MYTH #1- People who talk about Suicide really won't do it.

FACT: In many cases, teens who have thoughts of Suicide or who have died by Suicide have given some kind of warning sign through their behaviour or something they have said. All Suicide mention or threats should be taken seriously - it could be a way for the person to let you know that something serious is wrong and they need help.

MYTH #2 - Talking about Suicide makes people more likely to kill themselves.

FACT: Research shows that talking about Suicide with a young person does not cause them to have thoughts of Suicide or kill themselves.

But not talking about it can lead to thoughts of Suicide turning into actions. Talking about Suicide and depression creates an opportunity to discuss feelings and thoughts that might have otherwise would remain hidden. Most teens who are thinking about Suicide are actually honest and relieved when asked direct questions about their suicidal thoughts.

MYTH #3 - People who attempt Suicide are just trying to get attention.

FACT: All threats or mentions of Suicide should be taken seriously and professional help is needed. Threatening Suicide may be a call for help, but something must be wrong for someone to threaten Suicide in order to get attention or help.

MYTH #4 - Most Suicide attempts occur without warning signs.

FACT: Most teens who are suicidal or who have died by Suicide have given some signs either physically or verbally. It might not always be direct, so it is important to know how to identify the warning signs and seek help.

MYTH #5 – Only teens who are depressed attempt Suicide.

FACT: Teens and children do not have to be clinically depressed to have feelings of harming themselves or Suicide. Depression is the leading cause of Suicide, however, any teen that is feeling low or severely sad for a short time period could develop thoughts of Suicide. And usually it is a combination of problems that lead to a teen thinking that Suicide is the only way to end their problems.

MYTH #6 – Only a certain type of person kills him or herself.

FACT: Suicide does not discriminate based on gender, race, upbringing, education level, ethnicity or socio-economic factors. While some factors do contribute to a higher risk for Suicide and Suicide attempts, all people are susceptible to having thoughts and feelings of Suicide if faced with problems that they feel are too much.

MYTH #7 – Suicide is not preventable.

FACT: People may think that if someone wants to end their life, nothing can be done to prevent it. This is untrue – by knowing how to identify warning signs and getting professional help, it can actually prevent Suicides. Suicide is preventable – not inevitable.

MYTH #8 – People who die by Suicide are selfish.

FACT: Typically, people do not die by Suicide because they do not want to live—people die by Suicide because they want to end their suffering and pain. These individuals are suffering so deeply that they feel helpless and hopeless. Individuals who experience suicidal ideations do not do so by choice. They are not simply, “thinking of themselves,” but rather they are going through a very serious Mental Health symptom due to either mental illness or a difficult life situation.

Suicide Prevention Video Library

Understanding Suicide Contagion In Youth: 

Message of Hope:

How to help a Suicidal friend:

The late Dr Sindi talks about Depression and Suicide:

Identifying warning signs of Suicide and what to do to get help:

Join a Support Group

Articles

Alarm bells ring on mental health as suicide claims increase - Click Here

SADAG's essential guidelines for responsible suicide reporting in the media - Click Here

THE LANGUAGE OF SUICIDE: PREVENTION AND STIGMA - Click Here

Suicide tops unnatural death claims in Discovery Life’s 2024 report - Click Here

We need to talk about Suicide  - Click Here

Teen Suicide and Suicide Safety Plan - Click Here

Look out for signs of Suicide on your children: Sadag - Click Here

15 Things People Who Deal With Suicidal Thoughts Want You To Know - Click Here

Do You Know Someone Who May Be Suicidal?

You can do something to help. 

Looking out for a friend or loved one is an important part of preventing Suicides. 

In South Africa there are 23 Suicides a day recorded and 230 serious attempts. 

You can call SADAG  to talk on behalf of a loved one, colleague, or friend. 

Trained counsellors are there to help and refer you to local counsellors, facilities and Support Groups.  

• 0800 21 22 23  (8am to 8pm) 
• 0800 12 13 14  (8pm to 8am)
• Or SMS 31393.

What is  happening in this persons life? Have they experienced any life changes recently?

• Recent loss (of a loved one, a job, an income/ livelihood, a relationship, a pet)
• Major disappointment (failed exams, missed job promotions)
• Change in circumstances (separation/ divorce, retirement, redundancy, children leaving home)
• Mental disorder or physical illness/ injury
• Suicide of a family member, friend or a public figure
• Financial and/ or legal problems.
• Traumatic experience, Fire, Rape, Accident. 

 How To Be Helpful to Someone Who Is Threatening Suicide

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about Suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether Suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Don't dare him or her to do it.
• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Ask if you may contact a family member 
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Don’t leave them alone, get help from persons specializing in crisis intervention and Suicide prevention.
• If necessary get in touch with the police

Be Aware of Feelings

Many people at some time in their lives think about Suicide. Most decide to live because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is
 temporary and death is permanent. On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control.
 

These are some of the feelings and thoughts they experience:

• Can't stop the pain
• Can't think clearly
• Can't make decisions
• Can't see any way out
• Can't sleep, eat or work
• Can't get out of depression
• Can't make the sadness go away
• Can't see a future without pain
• Can't see themselves as worthwhile
• Can't get someone's attention
• Can't seem to get control
• Feel hopeless and helplessIf you experience these feelings, get help! 

If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Suicide Social Media Guidelines

Suicide Language

Click here to view full guide

Message of Hope

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SADAG's Message of Hope is our way of spreading light and encouragement. We invite everyone to share a heartfelt message of support and hope as a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, help is a phone call away.

‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is help available and that our actions, no matter how big or small, can provide hope to those who are struggling. Through our actions, we can also let people experiencing suicidal thoughts know that there is hope and that we are here to support them.

There are 2 easy ways to “Create Hope Through Action!” Get involved by sharing your ‘Message of Hope,’

• Share a Message Of Hope on Social Media, and don’t forget to tag us!
• Download and print the message of hope cards, share a message with your loved ones, friends and in the workplace.
• Ask us to send you some of our limited series of printed ‘Have Hope’ Postcards to share with your friends and colleagues.

Download this file, print it and fill out the postcards with your ‘Messages of Hope.’ You can share these with your friends, loved ones or work colleagues, or make your own “Wall of Hope” at your office or at home. Download Here