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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Please visit our Suicide Prevention Handbook by clicking here or on this image.
The following information is taken from the American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention website.
- Is it true that suicides
are more frequent around holidays?
Suicides are not more frequent during the holidays. It appears
that the rates are the highest in April, and the summer months,
June and July.
- It is often said that a suicidal person goes through
a period where he seeks for help from other people. Does this
then mean that it could be ultimately the fault of other people
(because they don't appear concerned enough) that one decides
to kill him/herself?
Not a fair conclusion, although it could be a contributing factor
in some cases, particularly with elderly, terminally ill people.
- What is the biggest cause of suicide among college students?
Ninety-five percent are suffering from mental illness, usually
depression. If depressed, substance abuse, anxiety, impulsivity,
rage, hopelessness and desperation increase the risk.
- Apart from talking to a suicidal person and encouraging
him/her to go for counseling, what else can we do to prevent
this?
Going with someone to the counselor often helps. If the person
won't listen to you, you may need to talk to someone who might
influence him or her. Saving a life is more important than violating
a confidence.
- People often
get uncomfortable when one discloses something as intimate
and frightening as suicidal thoughts. What do you think can
be done to reduce this stigma, either of suicidal people,
or of depressive patients? Can people actually "change" their
minds and accept someone who is suicidal?
As people recognize that suicidal behavior is the result of a medical
condition not a sign of weakness or character defect, this stigma
will change.
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