Fact or Myth?
It is apparent how closely linked the symptoms of depression and clues to suicidal behavior are.
Directions: After reading each of the following statements, circle “FACT” (F) or “MYTH” (M).
F M 1. People who talk about their suicide thoughts are not likely to attempt suicide.
F M 2. The rate of suicide is higher among the poor.
F M 3. Most suicides take place with little or no warning.
F M 4. It is best not to discuss suicide with someone you think might be at risk, because you may be giving him/her the idea.
F M 5. It is easy to understand someone’s motives for suicide.
F M. 6. Once a person has attempted suicide, they have eliminated the idea from their system and will be at lower risk.
F M 7. A suicidal person clearly wants to die.
F M 8. There is a strong relationship between alcohol, drugs, and suicide.
F M 9. If a person has been depressed and suddenly seems to be in an improved frame of mind, the risk of suicide decreases.
F M 10. On average, women are more likely to attempt suicide than men.
F M 11. Even though the reasons for specific suicides may vary, loss plays a major role in many suicides.
F M 12. Hoplessness and helplessness are commonly expressed feelings prior to suicide attempts.
F M 13. If you promise to keep a friend’s suicidal thoughts “your secret”, you should always keep that promise.
Answer Key:
1. MYTH – Many people who attempt suicide, tell someone, directly or indirectly. All statements or threats must be taken seriously.
2. MYTH – Suicide crosses all socio-economic strata.
3. MYTH – Through behavior changes, direct statements, or non-verbal clues, most people give some warning of potential suicide.
4. MYTH – In fact, a dangerous myth. Sometimes this may be the only way to determine the seriousness of the person to confirm your suspicions. As well, it indicates your willingness to discuss suicide and to help the person seek help.
5. MYTH – Motives for suicide are as varied as the people who are invlolved.
6. MYTH – Nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps as many as 80% of completed suicides occurred after previous attempts. This is especially true for young people.
7. MYTH – Those considering suicide are usually ambivalent about death. Most simply want to escape an intolerable situation, and often change their mind about suicide in a very short period of time.
8. FACT – Suicide and drug or alcohol abuse often go together. Alcoholics are at much higher risk than the average population, and drugs or alcohol are often used just prior to an attempt. Frequently people will do something (take risks, attempt suicide, drive carelessly) under the influence of drugs or alcohol that they might not do otherwise.
9. MYTH – The improvement may just indicate that the person has made a decision to end his or her life, and may “feel better” having decided.
10. FACT – However, the ratio varies from age group to age group, and males are, on average, three times more likely to complete suicide.
11. FACT – Loss, especially loss of a relationship, may be one of the most significant factors preceding the suicide of an adolescent. Other types of loss (ex. Loss of self esteem) are also important factors.
12. FACT – Lack of hope for the future, for example, is an important clue.
13. MYTH – This is one secret you cannot keep. You may lose a friendship temporarily, but may save your friend’s life.
"Fact or Myth" exercise taken from Alberta Education's "Suicide Prevention and Coping: Manual for Teachers, Counsellors, and Administrators"
It is apparent how closely linked the symptoms of depression and clues to suicidal behavior are.
Directions: After reading each of the following statements, circle “FACT” (F) or “MYTH” (M).
F M 1. People who talk about their suicide thoughts are not likely to attempt suicide.
F M 2. The rate of suicide is higher among the poor.
F M 3. Most suicides take place with little or no warning.
F M 4. It is best not to discuss suicide with someone you think might be at risk, because you may be giving him/her the idea.
F M 5. It is easy to understand someone’s motives for suicide.
F M. 6. Once a person has attempted suicide, they have eliminated the idea from their system and will be at lower risk.
F M 7. A suicidal person clearly wants to die.
F M 8. There is a strong relationship between alcohol, drugs, and suicide.
F M 9. If a person has been depressed and suddenly seems to be in an improved frame of mind, the risk of suicide decreases.
F M 10. On average, women are more likely to attempt suicide than men.
F M 11. Even though the reasons for specific suicides may vary, loss plays a major role in many suicides.
F M 12. Hoplessness and helplessness are commonly expressed feelings prior to suicide attempts.
F M 13. If you promise to keep a friend’s suicidal thoughts “your secret”, you should always keep that promise.
Answer Key:
1. MYTH – Many people who attempt suicide, tell someone, directly or indirectly. All statements or threats must be taken seriously.
2. MYTH – Suicide crosses all socio-economic strata.
3. MYTH – Through behavior changes, direct statements, or non-verbal clues, most people give some warning of potential suicide.
4. MYTH – In fact, a dangerous myth. Sometimes this may be the only way to determine the seriousness of the person to confirm your suspicions. As well, it indicates your willingness to discuss suicide and to help the person seek help.
5. MYTH – Motives for suicide are as varied as the people who are invlolved.
6. MYTH – Nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps as many as 80% of completed suicides occurred after previous attempts. This is especially true for young people.
7. MYTH – Those considering suicide are usually ambivalent about death. Most simply want to escape an intolerable situation, and often change their mind about suicide in a very short period of time.
8. FACT – Suicide and drug or alcohol abuse often go together. Alcoholics are at much higher risk than the average population, and drugs or alcohol are often used just prior to an attempt. Frequently people will do something (take risks, attempt suicide, drive carelessly) under the influence of drugs or alcohol that they might not do otherwise.
9. MYTH – The improvement may just indicate that the person has made a decision to end his or her life, and may “feel better” having decided.
10. FACT – However, the ratio varies from age group to age group, and males are, on average, three times more likely to complete suicide.
11. FACT – Loss, especially loss of a relationship, may be one of the most significant factors preceding the suicide of an adolescent. Other types of loss (ex. Loss of self esteem) are also important factors.
12. FACT – Lack of hope for the future, for example, is an important clue.
13. MYTH – This is one secret you cannot keep. You may lose a friendship temporarily, but may save your friend’s life.
"Fact or Myth" exercise taken from Alberta Education's "Suicide Prevention and Coping: Manual for Teachers, Counsellors, and Administrators"