Part of suicide prevention is educating yourself on MYTHS vs. FACTS regarding suicide and learning the warning signs.

Here are a few to begin with:

MYTH: Talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide

attempts.

FACT: Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Fears shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in helping a person with thoughts of suicide comes

from talking about those feelings. A simple inquiry about whether or not the person intends to end their life can start the conversation. However, talking about suicide should be carefully managed.

MYTH: Most young people thinking about suicide never seek or ask for help with their

problems.

FACT: Evidence shows that teens often tell their school peers of their thoughts and plans, but they are more likely to ‘ask’ for help through non-verbal gestures than verbally express their situation to others.

MYTH: Suicide attempts or deaths happen without warning.

FACT: Family and friends who have lost someone to suicide often say that they hid the intention from them, but it is more likely that warning signs were just not recognized.

Learn the Warning Signs

Although emotional ups and downs are regular, sometimes a person who is suicidal gives certain signs or hints that something is wrong. Knowing these major warning signs can help you connect someone you care about to support if they need it – even if that person is yourself. These warning signs include:

• The recent suicide, or death by other means, of a friend or relative.

• Previous suicide attempts.

• Preoccupation with themes of death or expressing suicidal thoughts.

• Depression, conduct disorder, and problems with adjustment, such as substance abuse,

particularly when two or more of these are present.

• Giving away prized possessions/ making a will or other final arrangements.

• Major changes in sleep patterns – too much or too little.

• Sudden and extreme changes in eating habits/ losing or gaining weight.

• Withdrawal from friends/ family or other significant behavioral changes.

• Dropping out of group activities.

• Personality changes such as nervousness, outbursts of anger, impulsive or reckless

behavior, or apathy about appearance or health.

• Frequent irritability or unexplained crying.

• Lingering expressions of unworthiness or failure.

• Lack of interest in the future.

Always remember that there are resources available to you on and off campus:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988.
• If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text HOME to 741-741 to connect to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7 to provide mental health support, resources, and referrals at (800) 854-7771.