Myth: That talking to someone about their suicidal feelings will cause them to commit suicide.

Fact: Asking someone about their suicidal feelings may make the person feel relieved that someone finally recognized their emotional pain.

Myth: That all suicidal people want to die and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Fact: Most suicidal people are ambivalent; that is, part of them is saying, "I want to die" but part of them is saying, "I want to live."

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.

Myth: That there is a "typical" type of person who commits suicide.

Fact: The potential for suicide exists in all of us. There is no "typical" type of suicidal person.

Myth: That suicide occurs without warning.

Fact: Many people, including adolescents, give warnings of their suicidal intent.