How to Understand Suicidal Behavior

Suicidal behavior includes thoughts of suicides, planning suicide, suicidal gestures---such as superficial wrist cutting, or overdosing on non-lethal drugs---and the actual physical act of suicide. In 2006 in the U.S., suicide was linked to 33,000 deaths, with an estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occurring for every suicide.

Mental Disorders

• Suicidal behavior and alcohol addiction are often related.

  Suicidal behavior usually occurs in combination with mental disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, alcohol and drug addictions, and bipolar disorder. Such mental disorders are sometimes caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, a traumatic event in the past, or they can be hereditary.

Features

• Someone with suicidal thoughts may feel guilty.

  Outwardly, someone with suicidal thoughts and feelings may appear normal but warning signs may surface in some cases of suicidal behavior. The sufferer may experience feelings of shame, guilt, rejection or loss, or that they are a burden to others, and will sometimes express these feelings to others.

Triggers

• Losing a loved one may trigger suicidal behavior.

  Suicidal behavior and the actual act of suicide may be triggered by events that become overwhelming to the individual: death of a family member; trauma; chronic illness, or financial problems. What may seem insignificant to one person could appear overwhelming to someone else. A seemingly small event can trigger suicidal behavior.

Risk Factors

• A history of self-harm can be a risk factor in suicidal behavior.

  Although it is not easy to predict who is experiencing suicidal behavior, there are certain risk factors to watch for: a history of self-harm, neglect or abuse; a family history of suicide, or having friends who committed suicide. Those at risk might also talk about suicide or self harm, talk about feeling lonely and hopeless, or they may withdraw from the world around them. In the extreme, they may give away their possessions or begin making final plans. These risk factors are especially prevalent in young people.

Prevention/Solution

• Asking for help is vital with suicidal behaviors.

  It is important to seek help for suicidal thoughts, even if you believe nothing can or will help. Many people who fail to seek help see it as a sign of weakness, or they simply do not know where to go for assistance. They mistakenly believe that by committing suicide they are doing their friends or relatives a favor, and it is this irrational belief that stops them seeking help. If you know someone with suicidal behavior, talk to them about their thoughts and let them know help is available.