Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education Additional Supports ...

8. MYTH
Youth who have made suicide attempts are at a greater risk for future attempts.
If the conditions that caused the first attempt are not identified and dealt with, the person
may find it easier to try a second time. Most repeated attempts happen about three
months after what seems like ÒimprovementÓ.
9. MYTH
Not all people who commit suicide are mentally ill, but chronic mental illness increases
the risk for suicide. One does not have to be ÒcrazyÓ to experience a serious crisis.
10. MYTH
Marked improvement in mental state could indicate that the person has made the decision
to commit suicide and has planned how and when to do it. This decision brings relief, an
increase in energy and an improvement in mood. This is the time to be most concerned
for the personÕs safety.
11. FACT
Experiencing a loss of a relationship is the most common significant event preceding
suicide. This loss may come from the breakup of a relationship, separation or divorce of
parents, as well as death of a loved one.
12. FACT
Suicidal tendencies are not inherited. However, death in the family, whether natural,
accidental or suicidal, can lead to suicide of a family member if a resulting depression is
not treated. If a family member commits suicide, the suicidal act may be imitated
because family members identify with each other and tend to copy each otherÕs style of
coping behaviour.
For more information, see list of resources on page 886 and 87.
Grade 11 Healthy Active Living Education (PPL30), Module #2 Positive Mental Health and Stress
Page 76