Suicidal thoughts, or suicidal ideation, means thinking about or planning suicide.
In most cases, these are temporary and can be treated, but in some cases,
they place the individual at risk for attempting or completing suicide.
Symptoms
Talking to someone about suicidal thoughts can help in finding a solution.
A person who is experiencing or could experience suicidal thoughts may show
the following signs or symptoms:
feeling or appearing to feel trapped or hopeless
feeling intolerable emotional pain
having or appearing to have an abnormal preoccupation with violence, dying, or
death
having mood swings, either happy or sad
talking about revenge, guilt, or shame
being agitated, or in a heightened state of anxiety
experiencing changes in personality, routine, or sleeping patterns
consuming drugs or more alcohol than usual, or starting drinking when they had
not previously done so
engaging in risky behavior, such as driving carelessly or taking drugs
getting hold of a gun, medications, or substances that could end a life
experiencing depression, panic attacks, impaired concentration
increased isolation
talking about being a burden to others
psychomotor agitation, such as pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, and
removing items of clothing and putting them back on
saying goodbye to others as if it were the last time
seeming to be unable to experience pleasurable emotions from normally
pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction, or sex
severe remorse and self criticism
talking about suicide or dying, expressing regret about being alive or ever having
been born
A significant number of people with suicidal ideation keep their thoughts and
feelings a secret and show no signs that anything is wrong.
Causes
Suicidal ideation can occur when a person feels they are no longer able to cope with
an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, death of a
loved on, a broken relationship, or a devastating or debilitating illness.
The most common situations or life events that might cause suicidal thoughts are
grief, sexual abuse, financial problems, remorse, rejection, a relationship breakup,
and unemployment.
The following risk factors may have an impact on the probability of someone
experiencing suicidal ideation:
a family history of mental health issues
a family history of substance abuse
a family history of violence
a family history of suicide
a feeling of hopelessness
a feeling of seclusion or loneliness
being gay with no family or home support
being in trouble with the law
being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
for children, having disciplinary, social or school problems
having a problem with substance abuse
having a psychiatric disorder or mental illness
having attempted suicide before
being prone to reckless or impulsive behavior
possessing a gun
sleep deprivation
knowing, identifying, or being associated with someone who has committed
suicide
Conditions that are linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation include:
adjustment disorder
anorexia nervosa
bipolar disorder
body dysmorphic disorder
borderline personality disorder
dissociative identity disorder
gender dysphoria, or gender identity disorder
major depressive disorder
panic disorder
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
schizophrenia
social anxiety disorder
generalized anxiety disorder
substance abuse
Genetic factors may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Individuals with suicidal
thoughts tend to have a family history of suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Prevention
Family and friends may notice through a person's speech or behavior that they could
be at risk.They can help by talking to the person and by seeking appropriate support,
for example, from a doctor.
Asking them if they are thinking about suicide. Studies show that asking does
not increase the risk.
Keeping them safe by staying around and removing means of committing
suicide, such as knives, where possible
Listening to them and being there for them
Encouraging them to call a helpline or contacting someone the individual
might turn to for support, for example, a friend, family member, or spiritual mentor
Following up with them after the crisis has passed, as this appears to reduce
the risk of a recurrence
Other tips include keeping some emergency phone numbers at hand, for example, a
trusted friend, a helpline, and the person's doctor.
Treatment
Suicide ideation can be a symptom of a mental health problem, such as depression or
bipolar disorder.
A significant number of mental health problems, including depression, can be
successfully treated or managed with medications and talking therapies, such
as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling.
Once treatment starts, it is important to follow the treatment plan, attending follow-
up appointments, taking medications as instructed, and so on.
Reducing the risk
getting family support, for example, talking to them about how you feel and
asking them to meet your health provider and possibly attend sessions with you
avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs
avoiding isolation and staying connected to the outside world, as much as
possible
doing exercise
eating a well-balanced, healthful diet
getting at least 7-8 hours continuous sleep in every 24-hour period
removing any guns, knives, and dangerous drugs, for example, by giving them
to a trusted friend to take care of
seeking out things that give you pleasure, such as being with friends or family
you like, and focusing on the good things you have
attending a self-help or support group, where you can discuss issues with
people who understand, get help from others, and help people with similar problems
to get through their difficulties
seeking and following treatment
Remember that many people experience suicidal thoughts at some time, and many of
them find a solution, for example, by sharing their problem with someone.
