|
Getting the Facts
Straight About Suicide |
Myths vs.
|
Facts
|
| People who talk
about suicide will not make an attempt. |
80%
of those who commit suicide give warning signs before. |
| Mention of the word
"suicide" will give the person ideas. |
Discussing suicidal
feelings helps to relieve anxiety. |
| All persons who attempt
suicide want to die. |
Most suicidal persons
are confused about wanting life or death. |
| Only certain types of
people commit suicide. |
Suicide affects all
races, colors and socio-economic groups. |
| A person who attempts
suicide will not try again. |
Most people who commit
suicide have made previous attempts. |
| Suicide is an act of
impulse with no previous planning. |
Most suicides are
carefully planned and thought about for weeks. |
| Most suicide attempts
occur at the holidays. |
Suicide attempts
increase during springtime. |
How to Help
If you feel that someone may be
suicidal, it is important to remember:
- To trust your suspicions and
take all suicidal clues seriously
- To express your concern.
Listen. Be supportive. Encourage the person to talk about his or her
pain, fear, or loneliness.
- NEVER TO KEEP A SECRET
|
Reach Out and Get Help
- Let other people know so they
can help too…parents, teachers, guidance counselors, nurses, etc.
- Get professional advice.
- Stay with the suicidal
person.
- CALL RESPONSE THE 24-HOUR
CRISIS HOTLINE (631) 751-7500.
“SUICIDE IS AN UNNECESSARY
PERMANENT ACT IN RESPONSE TO A TEMPORARY PROBLEM. THERE ARE
ALTERNATIVES.”
References:
Response of Suffolk County, Inc.
For more information contact:
Long Island Crisis Center:
www.longislandcrisiscenter.org
Response Hotline:
www.responsehotline.org
This article was written by
Jessica Salvesen, a Social Worker at Commack Middle School.
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