I still remember the day when one of my friends, after disappearing for two-three days told me that she tried suicide and failed in that too. I remember not knowing what to do, what to say. I couldn’t have said that it’s okay. It wasn’t okay. I obsessed about the reason behind this incident and I thought of this.
From that day, suicide became an area of concern for me. She’s not the only one in my life who has voiced such thoughts, committed such an act! I have heard stories of friend’s friends also. So here I am going to quote some myths of suicide which might help you get a perspective on the situation.
• A person who attempts suicide is only looking for attention.
When people say that they want to die or that they tried committing suicide, it is mostly because they want help. They are not trying to get your attention. So if someone talks to you about such things, please direct them to the concerned person or a helpline.
• Those who attempted suicide in the past won’t try it again. OR A suicidal person clearly wants to die.
Most of the people who have committed suicide and died have tried it before at least once. Remember that suicide requires immense will power and bravery. It is not an easy thing to do. The want to live is in all of us. Please walk that extra mile for them.
• Suicide is generally carried out without warning.
Suicide are generally not triggered by one single traumatic event. The thought has started much before that so do not neglect people with suicidal thoughts.
“If a young person you know seems depressed or gloomy and has been spending a lot of time questioning why life is worth the bother, it’s time to pay attention.”
Anonymous parent of a son lost to suicide
• People who talk about suicide aren’t serious and won’t go through with it.
My simple reason behind considering this as a myth is that- Why take the risk? What if they do? Nobody wants to die, they just want the pain to stop. If you can help, please do. It is anytime better than wondering if you could have stopped it.
“A lot of you cared, just not enough.”
― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why
Defying Shadows 