Suicide – Symptoms and Causes

Help During Crisis

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, quick action can save a life.

Several resources are available for immediate help:

• Text or call 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• In emergencies, call 911 right away.

Remember that suicidal thoughts are often a response to difficult life situations. Though it may feel like suicide is the only solution, there are people ready to help you find other ways to manage your pain.

Warning Signs

Recognizing the signs of suicidal thoughts can save lives.

Someone considering suicide might talk openly about wanting to die with statements like, “I wish I hadn’t been born.” They may gather items that could be used for self-harm, such as pills or weapons.

Social withdrawal is another common sign. The person might avoid friends and family, preferring to be alone. Their emotions may swing dramatically—feeling fine one day and deeply sad the next.

Other warning signs include:

• Preoccupation with death or dying
• Feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
• Increased substance use
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Risky behavior (reckless driving, drug use)
• Giving away possessions without a clear reason
• Saying goodbye as if for the last time
• Personality changes or extreme anxiety

These signs aren’t always clear, and they differ from person to person. Some people clearly express their thoughts, while others keep their feelings hidden.

When To Get Help

If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide but isn’t in immediate danger:

• Reach out to a trusted friend or family member
• Contact a religious or spiritual leader
• Call a suicide prevention hotline
• Schedule an appointment with a doctor or mental health professional

Don’t wait for suicidal thoughts to go away on their own—they typically don’t improve without help. Professional support is essential for recovery.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves, stay with them and call emergency services right away. Remove any potentially harmful items from their reach if possible.

Remember that getting help for suicidal thoughts shows strength, not weakness. With proper support, people can find hope and better ways to manage difficult feelings.

Causes

Suicidal thoughts often emerge when someone feels overwhelmed by life challenges. When people lose hope for the future, they might wrongly see suicide as their only option. This tunnel vision during a crisis can make other solutions seem impossible.

Several factors may contribute to suicidal thinking:

• Overwhelming stress from personal problems
• Inability to cope with difficult situations
• Loss of hope for positive change
• Crisis situations that cloud judgment

Research suggests a possible genetic component as well. Those who experience suicidal thoughts or attempts often have family members who have faced similar struggles.

This family history pattern indicates that some people might have a biological vulnerability to suicidal thinking during times of distress.

Risk Factors

Men typically die by suicide more often than women, even though women attempt it more. This happens because men often choose deadlier methods, especially firearms.

You might have a higher suicide risk if you:

• Have tried to end your life before
• Feel hopeless, worthless, anxious, or lonely
• Recently experienced something stressful like losing someone, returning from military service, ending a relationship, or having money or legal troubles
• Struggle with alcohol or drugs, which can make suicidal thoughts worse and lead to impulsive actions
• Have suicidal thoughts and can easily access guns in your home
• Have been diagnosed with depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions
• Have family members with mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or a history of suicide or violence
• Live with chronic disease, ongoing pain, or a terminal illness
• Identify as LGBTQ+ and lack family support or live in an unfriendly environment

Young People at Risk

Children and teens may become suicidal after stressful events. What seems small to adults can feel overwhelming to young people. Some situations that might lead to suicidal thoughts include:

• Having a mental health condition like depression
• Losing friendships or having family conflicts
• Experiencing physical or sexual abuse
• Using alcohol or drugs
• Dealing with health problems, including pregnancy or STIs
• Being bullied
• Questioning sexual identity
• Learning about suicide or knowing someone who died by suicide

Important: The best way to find out if someone is at risk is to directly ask them about suicidal thoughts.

When Suicide Involves Others

In some rare cases, a person might harm others before taking their own life. Risk factors for these murder-suicide situations include:

1. Ongoing conflicts with a spouse or partner
2. Current financial or legal family problems
3. History of mental health issues, especially depression
4. Problems with alcohol or drugs
5. Easy access to firearms

Medication and Suicide Risk

Starting antidepressants can sometimes temporarily increase suicide risk, especially for young people. The Food and Drug Administration requires strong warning labels on these medications for this reason.

Age Group	Risk Concern
Under 25	May have increased suicidal thoughts when starting medication or changing doses
All ages	Should be monitored closely during first few weeks of treatment

Despite these warnings, antidepressants generally reduce suicide risk over time by improving mood. Never stop taking prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for ways to kill oneself
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Using more alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

If someone you know shows these signs, take these steps:

1. Ask directly if they’re thinking about suicide
2. Listen without judgment
3. Stay with them if they’re in immediate danger
4. Remove access to lethal items like guns or pills
5. Get professional help right away

Remember that asking someone about suicidal thoughts doesn’t increase risk—it actually helps. People who are considering suicide often want someone to notice and care enough to ask.

What To Say and Not Say

Helpful Responses:

• “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way”
• “How can I help?”
• “We’ll get through this together”
• “Let’s keep you safe”

Unhelpful Responses:

• “That’s crazy”
• “You’re overreacting”
• “That person isn’t worth it”
• “You’re just seeking attention”
• “You wouldn’t really do it”

If someone admits to having suicidal thoughts, take them seriously. Help them create a list of trusted people they can contact when feeling suicidal, including professional help lines. Make sure they keep this list accessible.

Complications

Suicidal thoughts can seriously affect daily functioning.

People struggling with these thoughts may find it hard to carry out normal activities or maintain relationships.

Suicide attempts, even when not fatal, can lead to lasting physical problems. These might include:

• Brain damage
• Organ failure
• Long-term disabilities

The emotional impact extends beyond the individual.

Family members and friends who lose someone to suicide often experience:

• Intense grief
• Feelings of guilt
• Anger
• Depression

These emotional reactions can be overwhelming and may require professional support to process effectively.

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent suicidal thoughts is important for mental health. Here are ways to protect yourself:

Seek Proper Treatment

Get help for underlying problems like depression or substance use. Proper treatment addresses the root causes of suicidal thoughts and can prevent them from returning.

Build a Strong Support System

• Connect with trusted friends and family
• Join community support groups
• Reach out to religious or spiritual communities
• Use helplines when needed

Remember That Difficult Feelings Pass

Hard emotions don’t last forever. With the right help, perspective can change, and life can improve. Take small steps forward each day without making hasty decisions.

Practice Self-Care Regularly

• Get enough sleep
• Eat balanced meals
• Exercise moderately
• Avoid alcohol and drugs
• Practice relaxation techniques

Even when talking about these feelings seems difficult, reaching out is essential. Professional help combined with personal support creates a protective network that can carry you through difficult times.