Suicide CAN be prevented ...

The information below is Compliments of the American Association of Suicidology and the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force

Myth:   No one can stop a suicide; once the decision has been made, it will take place

FACT:  If people in crisis get the help they need, a suicide can be prevented!  Suicide is the most preventable kind of death.  ANY positive action may save a life!

Myth:   Confronting a person about suicide will only make them angry and increse the risk of suicide.

FACT:  Asking someone directly about suicide helps to lower their anxiety, opens up a line of communication and helps to lower the risk of an impulsive act.

Myth:   Only experts can prevent a suicide.

FACT:  Suicide prevention is EVERYONE'S business and ANYONE can help prevent a suicide.

Myth:   Suicidal people keep their plans to themselves.

FACT:  Most sucidal people communicate their intentions sometime during the week or so before their attempt.

Myth:   Those who talk about suicide do not do it.

FACT:  People who talk about suicide may try, or even complete a suicide; or they may have impulsive acts of self-destruction.

Myth:   If a suicidal youth tells a friend of a plan to attempt suicide, the friend will tell an adult.

FACT:  Most young people honor the "code of silence" and will NOT tell an adult.