“Talking about suicide puts the idea in someone’s head.”

Asking directly can reduce distress and opens a pathway to help; it does not increase risk.

AFSP factsheet AFSP

“People who talk about suicide won’t actually do it.”

Most people who die by suicide give verbal or behavioral clues beforehand.

CDC/AFSP AFSP

“Suicide happens without warning.”

8 of 10 people show warning signs (mood, behavior, words) in the weeks before.

SPRC data (link to include)

“If someone survives a first attempt, they’ll just try again.”

9 out of 10 survivors do not go on to die by suicide.

Harvard Means Matter UAFP Journal

“Only people with a diagnosed mental illness are at risk.”

While 90 % have a mental-health condition, crises like loss, pain, or drugs can trigger suicide in anyone.