Unleashed Blog Entry
World Suicide Prevention Day: There is Help!
by Lisa Lima on September, 9th 2018
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
There is a widespread stigma associated with suicide and as a result, many people are afraid to speak about it. Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others. We all need to talk more about suicide in order to reduce its tragic implications.
People often don’t talk to someone who they think is experiencing suicidal thoughts because they are afraid of being wrong about the person or do not know what to say.
The only wrong way of talking about suicide is to not talk about it at all.
If you or anyone you know is thinking about suicide, do not be afraid to seek help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Colorado Crisis and Support Line: 1-844-493-TALK
Here are some common myths about suicide:
Myth 1: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy.
Fact: Many individuals with mental illness are not affected by suicidal thoughts and not all people who attempt or die by suicide have mental illness. Relationship problems and other life stressors such as criminal/legal matters, eviction/loss of home, death of a loved one, a devastating or debilitating illness, trauma, sexual abuse, rejection, and recent or impending crises are also associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Myth 2: Talking to someone about suicide will give them the idea.
Fact: The opposite is true – bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things a person can do.
Myth 3: Successful people don’t commit suicide.
Fact: People often keep thoughts of suicide to themselves due to the stigma attached to mental illness. Suicide has no cultural, ethnic, racial or socioeconomic boundaries.
Myth 4: A person who talks about suicide is just trying to seek attention.
Fact: While suicidal talk is a cry for attention, it is also someone’s way of expressing a person’s pain and reaching out for help. Always take any talks of suicide seriously.
Lisa Lima, MSW LCSW ABCDT
Therapist at My Life Unleashed LLC
(719) 626-3090
lisalima@mylifeunleashed.biz
