Suicide Myths

Understanding misconceptions about suicide

There are myths, misconceptions and misinformation about suicide. At the Law Offices of Skip Simpson, our firm believes strongly in suicide prevention. One myth is that a person determined to take his or her own life will do it, and nothing can stop it from happening.

Sadly, people die by suicide when they are being treated by doctors or psychiatrists. For family members and close friends, an inpatient suicide is nothing less than a shock.

How a lawyer can help

If a family member or loved one has died by suicide, reach out to a highly experienced and competent lawyer who cares. Contact a compassionate law firm that puts experience and resources to work for surviving family members. Talk to the Law Offices of Skip Simpson.

Myth No. 1: People who talk about suicide won't really do it.

Not true. Talking about suicide is one of the top warning signs. You should not ignore a threat or statements like, "You'll be sorry when I'm dead," or "I can't see any way out." A joking comment might indicate serious suicidal thoughts.

Myth No. 2: Anyone who tries to die by suicide must be crazy.

Not true. Suicidal people will likely have a psychiatric diagnosis, but tend not to be psychotic or "crazy." The majority of suicide decedents did not display impairments like psychosis, dementia, or delirium before their deaths.

Myth No. 3: If people are determined to kill themselves, then nothing is going to stop them.

Not true. There are cases in which people who survived jumps from the Golden Gate Bridge said they would not have jumped if one person smiled at them. Suicidal people waver about their decision until the very last moment. Most suicidal people are focused on stopping the pain; they don't want to die. A person's urge to end his or her own life, no matter how powerful it may be, will not last forever. We know that the vast majority of people who kill themselves were suffering from depression, schizophrenia, or alcoholism at the time of their deaths. All these are highly treatable illnesses, and symptom relief almost always eliminates the wish and the motive for suicide. Furthermore, the impulse to die by suicide is generally an acute, transient experience that often passes if delayed, with or without treatment. Finally, the expression 'people who really want to die' is largely misconceived. Most suicidal people are highly ambivalent about suicide - at the same time that they desire death they generally also wish desperately to be rescued so that they can have another chance at life.

Myth No. 4: People who die by suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.

Not true. More than half of all people who died by suicide sought help within six months prior to their death, according to studies.

Myth No. 5: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.

Not true. In fact, the best thing you can do for a suicidal person is to bring up the subject and discuss it openly.

Myth No. 6: Most people who die by suicide don't make future plans.

Not true. Virtually everyone who desires death also simultaneously desires life. The suicidal mind is characterized by ambivalence, with competing forces tugging at the suicidal individual from sides of both life and death. Suicidal people often make plans for jobs, trips, and relationships in the days and weeks before their deaths by suicide.

Myth No. 7: People often die by suicide "on a Whim."

Not true. People do not die by suicide on impulse. On the contrary, the extremely and often painful prospect of bringing about one's own death requires previous experiences and psychological processes that take months to accumulate. Those who end up dead by suicide have thought the act through many times, often in detail-only this allows them to carry out something so drastic and final.

Myth No. 8: Even if you prevent a suicide today, the person would someday eventually kill himself anyway.

Not true. Most patients who are prevented from dying by suicide recover sufficiently from their acute symptoms to experience productive and rewarding lives.

Contact an attorney with our firm

For a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, contact the Law Offices of Skip Simpson in Texas. Call 214-618-8222. Skip Simpson strives to provide all the necessary legal tools to support you during a very difficult time. While you may be reluctant to file a claim after experiencing a traumatic event, you deserve to be compensated for your loss. Your decision to pursue legal action will hold the healthcare providers accountable and may help prevent another similar occurrence.

Contact a compassionate attorney who cares for people and demands justice. Contact the Law Offices of Skip Simpson - fighting for justice, one client at a time.