It is a myth that talking to someone about their suicidal feelings will cause them to commit suicide.

Fact:  Most suicidal people are ambivalent, that is, part of them is saying “I want to die,” but the other part is saying, “I want to live.”

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It is a myth that people who talk about committing suicide never actually do it.

Fact: When someone talks about committing suicide, he/she may be giving a warning that should not be ignored by others who hear such comments.

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It is a myth that there is a “typical” type of person who commits suicide.

Fact: Potential for suicide exists in all of us. There is no “typical” type of suicidal person.

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It is a myth that suicide occurs without warning.

Fact: Many people, including adolescents, give warnings of their suicidal interest.  Many of these signs may not be obvious.  They are often difficult to detect by the listener.