Suicide is the act of taking your own life, either a single or repeated painful experience can make life seem too difficult to comprehend. Suicidal thoughts are common and can be terrifying, they usually come on after feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness and may feel like the only option at the time.
Someone who is considering suicide may not be thinking rationally, the thoughts can be brought on by severe emotional pain or unbearable physical pain, the only thing in common is that the stress caused is too much for the body or mind to cope with. Suicidal thoughts no matter what others say are not a sign of weakness or selfishness, there is only so much a body can deal with, unless someone has been through a similar experience or have dealt with those with these thoughts it would be difficult to even guess at what state the person was in.
Although it may sound strange thoughts of suicide can be there to preserve life, the feeling that no matter how bad life gets you can end life whenever you wish may allow your body to cope with even further pain or bad experiences, this thinking at least puts some form of control into your thinking rather than the feeling of entire hopelessness.
Why do people believe suicide is the solution ?
There are many reasons why someone would believe suicide is a solution to their problems, although not extensive some of these reasons are:
Social isolation or feelings of loneliness
Loss of an important relationship (Divorce, access to children etc...)
Long term pain or illness
Effects of drugs or medication
Symptoms of mental illness
Bullied at work, home or school
Bereavement
Financial problems
Work problems, loss of job or no prospects
Changes to lifestyle new child, retirement, redundancy or uncertainty
Prison or the feeling of being trapped
History of abuse
Discrimination
Sexual problems including gender identity
Suicide is more than likely done with planning it is very rare for an act of suicide to be spontaneous, unless there is a form of chemical imbalance such as alcohol or drugs that may bring this on. You are more likely to commit suicide if you have some form of mental illness, such as depression, personality or panic disorder and any psychotic illness that can cause irrational thinking.
Behaviour common with suicidal thoughts
Effects & behaviours
Pre-occupation with method, where and when the act will take place.
Sleeping problems.
Changes in appetite, including loss or gain of weight.
Being detached from your body, feeling numb.
Lack of energy.
Neglecting yourself or possessions.
Trying to sort out financial affairs.
Another common cause of suicidal thoughts although sounding a bit drastic, is the thought that suicide may make someone feel bad, someone that has hurt you such as an abuser or the thought that it may stop them from being abusive to sibling or friends, either immediately or in the future due to your death.