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MYTH
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FACT
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Young people who talk about suicide never attempt
or complete suicide.
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Many young people who attempt suicide talk about
it first. Its an important warning sign.
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If you know a young person who is talking about suicidal
thoughts or feelings, just say to cheer upthat
will help.
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Telling someone to cheer up can make it seem like
you dont understand. Its better to listen
and dont discount their feelings.
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Its better not to talk about suicide with someone
whos feeling down or hopeless. It might make
things worse.
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The first step in encouraging a suicidal person to
live comes from talking about feelings. Fears that
are shared are more likely to diminish..
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If someone tells you about suicidal feelings and
asks you to keep it a secret, you should respect their
wishes.
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That could literally be a deadly secret to keep.
Its more important to get help, even if that
means revealing a secret.
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When someone is really suicidal, theres nothing
you can do to help.
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You can help by offering your support and the hope
that they can find a way to end the pain without attempting
suicide.
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Only depressed people attempt suicide.
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You can have suicidal feelings or even attempt suicide
whether youre clinically depressed or not.
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If you can get someone to promise to get help, youve
done your part.
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Its important to follow through and be sure
the person stays safe until you can put him or her
in contact with a responsible adult.
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Warning Signs and What to Do About Them
People who attempt suicide often send out warning signs
before they actually make an attempt. These signs may be
loud and clear, or low-key and subtle. Knowing how to recognize
these signs is the first step in taking action that could
save someones life.
Ten Warning Signs of Suicide
1. Preoccupation with death and dying
2. Drastic changes in behavior or personality
3. A recent severe loss (such as a relationship) or threat
of a loss
4. Unexpected preparations for death such as making out
a will
5. Giving away prized possessions
6. A previous suicide attempt
7. Uncharacteristic impulsiveness, recklessness, or risk-taking
8. Loss of interest in personal appearance
9. Increased use of alcohol or drugs
10. Sense of hopelessness about the future
What to Do if You Spot the Signs
Ask directly. Asking someone directly if they ever
think of suicide lets them know that you take the situation
seriously and want to help. It may be a real relief to someone
to know that its all right to talk about it openly.
Evaluate whether the danger is imminent. If someone
admits thinking about suicide, follow through by asking
questions that can help you determine how high the risk
is that it will happen. Find out if he or she has thoughts
about how and when to do it and if the means are available.
If theres a plan for what to do and when and how to
do it, the risk of suicide is very high. Consider the San
Francisco Suicide Prevention crisis lines PlaidPals
list of things to watch for:
PlanDo they have one?
LethalityIs it lethal? Can they die?
AvailabilityDo they have the means to carry
it out?
IllnessDo they have a mental or physical illness?
DepressionChronic or specific incident(s)?
Previous attemptsHow many? How recent?
AloneAre they alone? Do they have a support
system? Are they alone right now?
LossHave they suffered a loss? Death, job,
relationship, self-esteem?
Substance abuse (or use)Drugs, alcohol, medicine?
Current? Chronic?
Call for help. Get in touch with your
local crisis line for other ways to help.
Nationally, call 1-800-273-TALK
(8255) to be connected to the nearest crisis center
or go to the Texas
Department of State Health Services online to
find the nearest crisis center in your area or to the Texas
Council of Community Mental Health Centers website
to find the crisis number for your area.