The facts about suicide

* Suicidal people warn others about what they are going to do. Seventy to 80 per cent of people who take their own lives gave warning signs of their intentions.
* For that reason, every threat of suicide must be taken seriously.
* There is no typical suicidal person. Suicide happens among all people and in all cultures.
* Suicidal tendencies are not genetic. The tendency to use suicide as a coping mechanism can be learned, but it is not inherited.
* People who have attempted suicide may try it again. A suicide attempt is a cry for help. If help is received, suicide may not be attempted again.
* People who are suicidal are not always mentally ill. Professionals should be the only people to comment on someone’s mental health.
* There is no evidence that talking about suicide makes people want to do it. It appears more productive to make people aware that a problem exists and that help is available.

Source: Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Postvention, workshop by Sheila Levy.