Common Myths About Suicide Continued

Jail suicides that occur in municipal and county jails are mostly considered preventable deaths. Correcting errant thinking about suicide prevention is an effective approach to reducing the number of suicides that occur in local jails. The following are more myths that need to be debunked.

Myth 3 – The age groups most at risk to commit suicide are teenagers and college students.

Fact: Teens and college students commit suicide at a rate that falls below the national average. Those in the age group with the highest risk of suicide among men and women are between 45 and 64 years old. It is important for jailers to recognize that all ages and groups who are incarcerated in local jails are at risk for suicide.

Myth 4 – Suicide is not preventable.

Fact: Suicide is a preventable act, though it is unpredictable. Most of the time when individuals consider suicide, they are experiencing intense emotional pain and hopelessness and have a negative outlook on life or the future. The act of suicide is a product made up of genes, environmental risk factors, and mental health. When interventions target effective treatment for psychiatric and substance use problems, lives can be saved.

Learn more in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, and Part 16.

To provide an ongoing source of helpful information for inmates in Texas municipal and county jails, this website was established. There is never an intention of making accusations against persons or institutions.

–Guest Contributor