Suicidal ideation (patient information)

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vindhya BellamKonda, M.B.B.S [2]

Overview

Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, are thoughts about how to kill oneself, which can range from a detailed plan to a fleeting consideration and does not include the final act of killing oneself

What are the symptoms of Suicide?

Often, but not always, a person may show certain symptoms or behaviors before a suicide attempt, including:

• Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
• Giving away belongings
• Talking about going away or the need to get my affairs in order
• Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety
• Losing interest in activities that they used to enjoy
• Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting their body
• Pulling away from friends or not wanting to go out
• Suddenly having trouble in school or work
• Talking about death or suicide, or even saying that they want to hurt themselves
• Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty
• Changing sleep or eating habits

What causes Suicide?

• Suicide and suicidal behaviors usually occur in people with:

• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Depression
• Drug or alcohol dependence
• Schizophrenia

• People who try to commit suicide are often trying to get away from a life situation that seems impossible to deal with. Many who make a suicide attempt are seeking relief from:

• Feeling ashamed, guilty, or like a burden to others
• Feeling like a victim
• Feelings of rejection, loss, or loneliness

• Suicidal behaviors may be caused by a situation or event that the person views as overwhelming, such as:

• Aging (the elderly have the highest rate of suicide)
• Death of a loved one
• Dependence on drugs or alcohol
• Emotional trauma
• Serious physical illness
• Unemployment or money problems

• Most suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are done in a way that makes rescue possible. These attempts are often a cry for help.

• Some people attempt suicide in a way that is somewhat non-violent, such as poisoning or overdose. Males, especially elderly men, are more likely to choose violent methods, such as shooting themselves. As a result, suicide attempts by males are more likely to be completed.

• Relatives of people who attempt or commit suicide often blame themselves or become very angry. They may see the suicide attempt as selfish. However, people who try to commit suicide often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world.

Who is at highest risk?

Risk factors for suicide in teenagers include:

• Access to guns
• Family member who committed suicide
• History of hurting themselves on purpose
• History of being neglected or abused
• Living in communities where there have been recent outbreaks of suicide in young people
• Romantic breakup