Myths and Truths About Suicide

It’s a taboo subject, but the reality affects thousands of families

Suicide causes twice as many deaths as HIV/AIDS, and we’re even less likely to talk about it. That’s a tragedy, says Gail Stern, psychiatric clinical nurse specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Every community should be working to better understand and respond to suicidal people and their families, despite the discomfort surrounding the issue,” she says.

More than 30,000 Americans take their own lives each year. There are anywhere from 8-25 attempted suicides for every completed one, says Ralph Primelo, M.D., a psychiatrist at the hospital. “The two highest-risk groups are teens and older white men,” he says. “Women make more suicide attempts, but men use more lethal means.” Women also are more apt to seek help for depression, a major suicide risk factor (see box above).

Given the stigma of suicide, it’s not surprising that myths abound:

Myth #1:

People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it. “Nearly all people who take their own lives give clues,” Primelo says. “Talking or writing about suicide always should be taken seriously. Chances are this is not just ‘attentionseeking,’ but a serious plea for help.”

Myth #2:

Suicide and depression are signs of moral weakness. “Depression is a brain illness, and highly treatable,” Stern says. “Suicide typically arises from a complex weave of illness, misfortune and lack of support—and under those circumstances, any one of us could feel overwhelmed and hopeless.”

Myth #3:

Once a person is intent on suicide, nothing will stop him. “Suicidal crises usually are temporary, especially in young people,” Primelo says. “Most people don’t really want death, they just want the pain to stop.”

Myth #4:

Talking to a person who’s threatened suicide will just encourage her. Actually, talking often brings a sense of relief and may be lifesaving.

If someone you love seems hopeless or gives clues like setting his or her affairs in order, it’s vital that you reach out, Stern says. Ask the question: When you said you’d like to die, were you talking about killing yourself? “If the person is contemplating or planning suicide, call a mental health professional or crisis worker right away (see Want to Know More, below) and make sure someone stays there until help arrives,” Stern says.

Even if the situation doesn’t seem critical, anyone with suicidal thoughts needs professional care, Primelo says. “If your loved one resists, a trusted figure like the family doctor or clergy person may be able to persuade him.” Meanwhile, keep guns and alcohol (a factor in half of all suicide attempts) out of the house.

You may feel uncomfortable or inadequate reaching out to a suicidal person, but don’t delay, Stern says: “Knowing that someone cares can be the first step in helping him reconnect to life and hope.”

Want to Know More about the warning signs of suicide or local crisis services and support groups? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, May-June 2008

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