The good news is suicide and mental health is being talked about. The bad news is there is a lot of myths, stigma, and miseducation surrounding both subjects. Today we tackle common suicide myths with proven facts. Share this post with your friends, family and on social media to spread truth and potentially save a life!

Myth: If you talk about suicide and ask someone if he/she is suicidal you will encourage and trigger a suicide attempt.

Fact. Asking direct, caring questions about suicide will often minimize a person’s anxiety and act as a deterrent to suicidal behavior. Introducing the subject to a depressed person or someone who has made threats of suicide can prompt a frank conversation. It also shows that you care and want to help.

Myth: You cannot prevent someone from taking their life by suicide.

Fact. Unfortunately, there are those who will die by suicide even with outside intervention, HOWEVER, the vast majority of people in this situation do not want to die; rather, they just want their pain to stop. If you can convince them to get help, their pain may lessen and with it, a tragedy may be averted.

Myth: You must be depressed or psychotic to consider suicide.

Fact: Depression is often associated with suicidal feelings but not all persons who attempt or complete suicide have a mental illness. A number of other emotional factors may be involved.

Myth: Suicide is far more prevalent among the poor than the middle class or affluent.

Fact. Suicide does not discriminate.  People who attempt or complete suicide come from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Myth: Suicide happens without warning.

Fact: There are almost always warning signs, but others are often unaware of the significance of the warnings or unsure about what to do. Common warning signs to look out for include: alcohol and drug abuse, lack of a support network, sudden changes in behavior and/ or dramatic mood changes, giving away prized possessions and suicide threats.

If you are at risk for suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1800-273-8255.

I want to blow the lid off of depression and spread HOPE! Please help me by sharing this post via the social media buttons and  by joining our Facebook Community page (click here). Thanks HOPE-spreaders!

Sending strength and hope,