Myth: Once You’ve Made an Attempt, You’ll Eventually Die by Suicide
Somewhere around 85%-90% of people who make a suicide attempt will die from non-suicide causes.
Fact: Having Made a Suicide Attempt Is a Significant Risk
While having made an attempt places a person at substantially greater risk than the general population, it’s not a forgone conclusion that someone who makes an attempt will eventually succumb.
Learn More
Coming soon.
Evidence
The evidence points soundly to higher risk – but far from inevitable.
In Support of the Myth
None identified.
To Refute the Myth
"Where are they now? A follow-up study of suicide attempters from the Golden Gate Bridge" (1978)
“… about 90% do not die of suicide or by other violent means.” This encompasses other deaths that might be a suicide but for other reasons wouldn’t be classified as such.
"Completed Suicide After a Suicide Attempt: A 37-Year Follow-Up Study" (2004)
Of 100 initial patients, 98 were studied, with 54 deaths and a 13% suicide death rate.
"Suicide mortality after a nonfatal suicide attempt: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2021)
7.4% died by suicide at 10 years.
Unclear or Mixed Support
None identified.
Learn more about suicide myths – and the truths behind them – by following the links below.