Suicide Myths and Realities Quiz

Quiz Yourself

1. Talking about suicide is dangerous. It often plants the idea in a person's head.
true ______ false______

2. If you attempt suicide, it means you really want to die.
true ______ false______

3. A family history of suicide is a risk factor for suicide
true ______ false______

4. The danger of suicide has passed when a person begins to cheer up.
true ______ false______

5. Suicide is very often linked to conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
true ______ false______

6. Suicide and suicidal behaviour among youth in BC is not a very big problem.
true ______ false______

7. Suicide usually occurs out of the blue - without any warning.
true ______ false______

8. All First Nations communities have higher than average rates of youth suicide.
true ______ false______

9. Good problem-solving and coping skills, strong family support, a positive school environment and strong community and cultural ties can help protect a youth against attempting suicide.
true ______ false______

10. The prevention of suicide is best handled by professional and experts.
true ______ false______

Check your answers below:

1. False
Discussing suicide openly is one of the most helpful things you can do. Talking can help relieve some of the pressure and it shows you care and that you are taking the person seriously. Asking someone directly if they are thinking of suicide is the only way to know whether suicide is a real concern.

2. False
Most people who attempt suicide want to live. They are experiencing overwhelming emotional pain and are crying out for help. If they receive the help they are asking for, they may never attempt suicide again.

3. True
Research shows that a history of suicide in the family can increase the risk for suicide among other family members. It is important that the suicidal person knows that there are alternatives to ending his/her life and that he/she is not "destined' to die by suicide.

4. False
A depressed person may want to end his/her life, but he/she may lack the energy and motivation to carry out a suicide plan. Ambivalent feelings are a constant struggle. Making a decision to die by suicide often brings a sense of relief which can often appear to others as an improvement in mood. It is during such a time that a person finally has the energy to carry out the suicide plan.

5.True
90% of youth who die by suicide struggle with one or more of the following: depression, anxiety, aggression, impulsivity or substance abuse. Because these symptoms of 'mental illness' are often judged as embarrassing or unacceptable, it's not always talked about. In fact, one in five youth do struggle  with depression. Youth who are feeling suicidal need support form friend , family and often professional counsellors

6. False
A recent BC survey of students  in grades 7 through 12 confirmed that 16% of them thought about talking their life, 11% made a suicide plan and 7% made a suicide attempt. That's serious. A person who talks about suicide is not trying to get attention, but trying desperately to communicate. It is important to take all threats seriously.

7. False
Most people who complete suicide give some warning prior to their actions. This is one of the most important  reasons for becoming familiar with the warning signs.

8. False
While suicide rates among First Nations youth are, on average five to six times higher than non-Aboriginal youth, more than half of BC's aboriginal communities have not suffered a single suicide in the last 15 years. Lower or non-existent suicide rates in Aboriginal communities are linked to community self-determination, control over services and traditional knowledge and practices.

9. True
Not all youth have all these supports and skills, but some of them, like coping skills, can be learned, and others, like strong community ties can be improved upon even with small changes. Youth who reach out to resources, helpful people and programs can reduce their risk of an attempt.

10. False
Youth who are experience emotional distress usually turn to their friends for support before seeking out adult or professional assistance. Students play an important role in suicide prevention by (1) recognizing the signs of distress in their peers and (2) telling a trusted adult.