Myth: It’s Just a Cry for Help
It may be that someone is using a suicide attempt as a cry for help; even if it is, shouldn’t you listen? Some dismiss suicide attempts as attention seeking – and that’s not a good idea.
Fact: It Isn’t Always a Cry for Help
While there are certainly some for whom a suicide attempt is a cry for help, many more had no intent to engage others. Their failure to die was a result of extraordinary circumstances, luck, or a poorly executed plan. Sometimes, particularly after a few suicide attempts, those surrounding the attempter become complacent and begin to think that it doesn’t mean anything. Someone attempting to take their life is always something to take notice of.
Learn More
Coming soon.
Evidence
In general, most people who make a suicide attempt aren’t attention seeking. They’re in pain or trying to cry for help – or both.
In Support of the Myth
None identified.
To Refute the Myth
"Suicide: Answering the Cry for Help" (1965)
Explains how the LA Suicide Prevention Center responded to cries for help.
"Teen Experiences Following a Suicide Attempt" (2015)
“It is a misinterpretation to classify suicidal behaviors as ‘attention-seeking’ rather than a ‘cry of pain’.”
"Reasons for adolescent deliberate self-harm: a cry of pain and/or a cry of help?" (2009)
It’s both a cry of pain and a cry for help.
Unclear or Mixed Support
None identified.
Learn more about suicide myths – and the truths behind them – by following the links below.