Fact and Fallacies about Suicide Quiz

The following is true or false quiz.

Circle "T" if the questions is true and "F" if the questions is false.

1. T   F    Two-thirds of adolescents will consider suicide before graduating  from high school.

2. T   F    One out of every ten adolescents attempts suicide before graduating from high school.

3. T   F    A person who thinks about suicide is not of a certain "type".

4. T   F    People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide.

5. T   F    Females attempt suicide three times more often than males.

6. T   F    Suicide occurs equally among the rich, the middle class and the poor.

7. T   F    Once a person is suicidal, they are suicidal for ever.

8. T   F    Suicidal people clearly wish to die.

9. T   F    Suicidal tendencies can run in families.

10. T   F    Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide is dangerous as it may plant the idea in their head.

11. T   F    Males complete suicide three times more often than females.

12. T   F    Suicide or attempted suicide is against to the law.

13. T   F    Aboriginal/Native youth are six times more likely to commit suicide.

14. T   F    Some teenagers romanticize suicide and view death as only   temporary.

15. T   F    The use of alcohol and drugs has little relation to suicide.     

Fact and fallacies about suicide

Answer/discussion Sheet:

1. Two-thirds of adolescents will consider suicide before graduating from high school.

       True.    It is not uncommon to have suicidal thoughts enter your mind, if only to leave quickly.  It is when those thoughts linger on that we should seek help.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death next to accident among youth.

    2. One out of every ten adolescents attempt suicide before graduating from high school.

       True.  Statistically, this means approximately three students in any classroom. You will have a 50% chance of knowing someone who attempt suicide before you graduate.

    3. A person who thinks about suicide is not of a certain type .

       True.  It is not just one type of person who thinks about suicide.  It does not   matter if you are rich, poor, big or small or what type of music you listen to.  A suicidal person is not "crazy or abnormal", they are only looking for a way to end the pain they are feeling at the present.

    4. People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide.

        False.  People announce their intent to commit suicide 80% of the time.  Usually, they send out signals before attempting suicide.

    5. Females attempt suicide three times more often than males.

       True.  Females usually use less lethal means than males - a common method for females is overdosing on drugs.   Statistics seem to be changing though, and the numbers of females using more lethal means is on the rise.

    6. Suicide occurs equally among the rich, the middle class and the poor.

       True.  Just because some families have more money than others, it does not mean they are exempt for suicide.   Adolescents from all types of background commit suicide.  

    7. Once a person is suicidal, they are suicidal for ever.

        False.  A person who is suicidal sees no end to the pain they are experiencing at the present.  They desperately need to know that the pain will pass and will usually discover that fact after seeking the help they need to discover alternate solutions.

    8. Suicidal people clearly wish to die.

        False.  Suicide seems like a way to to stop the pain at the present.  A suicidal person sees no other alternatives.  This is their reality.  An attempt is a cry for help.

    9. Suicidal tendencies can run in families.

        True.  Even though is no evidence to suggest that suicide is inherited, it could be modeled by a family member in response to continuing dysfunction.  Depression, which is often associated with suicide, can be inherited.  However, just because a person is depressed, it does not mean they are suicidal.

    10. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide is dangerous as it may plant the idea in their head.

        False. Talking about suicide lets a person know they are not alone and that  you care.   Most people are relieved after finally being able to talk about their feelings.   Talking about what they are will reduce the risk of an attempt.  Not talking about suicide makes it impossible to prevent.

    11.  Males complete suicide three times more often than females.

        True.  Males tend to use more violent methods to take their own lives.  Examples include firearms or ropes.  Females tend to use methods which take more time to complete, which allows for more of a chance that they will be found in time.

    12. Suicide or attempted suicide is against the law.

        False.  Suicide or attempted suicide used to be against the law.  It has only been within the last decade that suicide is no longer a crime.  It is still illegal to assist someone in committing suicide.

    13. Aboriginal/Native youth are six times more likely to commit suicide.

        True.  Aboriginal youth face discrimination and isolation.  We need to show  respect for each others differences and cultures.

    14. Some teenagers romanticize suicide and view death as only temporary.

        True.  Some teenagers view the Romeo and Juliet theme as romantic.  Romeo takes his own life because he thinks he cannot live without Juliet.  Consider what would have happened had Romeo taken the time to seek help.  Some teens use suicide as a threat to keep a relationship together.  As with other age group in society, some teens believe they can still play parts in peoples lives from a spiritual existence. 

    15. The use of alcohol and drugs has little relation to suicide.

        False.  Students who feel overwhelmed by problems may seek escape in alcohol or drugs.  However, alcohol and drugs relieves the pain only temporarily.  The use of alcohol or drugs actually makes problems worse by causing more problems.  Alcohol and many drugs are depressants that only deepen the depression.  People who are using drugs and alcohol to cover up their problems are also at a higher risk to overdose.