Facts & Fictions

Facts&Fictions

FICTION

People who talk about it don't commit suicide

FACT

Most people who kill themselves have given definite warnings of their intentions.

FICTION

Suicidal people are absolutely intent upon dying.

FACT

Most suicidal people are ambivalent about living or dying; they gamble with death but may retain some desire to live.

FICTION

Suicide happens without warning.

FACT

Suicidal people often give indications of their thoughts (sometimes before the thoughts have become intentions) by words or actions.

FICTION

Once a person becomes suicidal he remains suicidal forever.

FACT

Suicidal thoughts may return, but they are not permanent, and in some people they may never return.

FICTION

After a crisis, improvement means that the suicide risk is over.

FACT

Many suicides occur in a period of improvement, when the person has the energy and will to turn despairing thoughts into self-destructive action.

FICTION

Suicide occurs mainly in the poor/rich.

FACT

Suicide occurs in all groups of society.

FICTION

Suicidal behaviour is a sign of mental illness.

FACT

Suicidal behaviour indicates deep unhappiness but not necessarily mental illness.

FICTION

You are either the suicidal type or you are not and that is it.

FACT

It could happen to anybody.

A few facts...

Suicide survivors are not attempters.

There are also family members, others who survive following the death of their loved one by suicide.

About 1 lac people die by suicide in India every year.

Each suicide leaves at least 7 people devastated. 7 lacs people become survivors every year in India.

What factors make suicide Grief and Bereavement different?

Suicide death is sudden and unexpected. Death by suicide often leaves unfinished, irresolvable issues. Death by suicide is often violent. Suicide often occurs in systems already experiencing stress.

Feelings/ Emotions:

Survivor Grief

Shock and Numbness

Denial

Search for a reason for the suicide … Why?

Shame

Guilt and Blame

Loss and Depression

Isolation and Confusion

Loneliness and Social Isolation

Heightened Suicide Risk