Written by: Lynn      Editted by: Alex
We have often been asked the question, “Are suicidal thoughts normal?”
In usual circumstances, most people do not experience suicidal thoughts. However, there are times when suicidal thoughts are a normal symptom of an underlying mental health problem and may be present when we experience certain common issues. You may find that thinking about your own death can be scary, especially if the thoughts are persistent. So, how do you know when to start worrying about it? According to experts, it depends on what kinds of thoughts you're having. Just because you're thinking about your own death does not necessarily mean that you would end your life. However, persistent thoughts about death are probably indicative of underlying mental health issues that may require treatment and professional help. These kinds of passive thoughts, though unwelcome, are missing an important element that makes them more dangerous: a plan. If you find yourself thinking about specific ways of ending your life, it is advisable to seek help immediately.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the common mental health issues that are associated and often lead to suicidal thoughts. Some of the most common issues are listed below:

Suicidal Thoughts are a Common Symptom of Depression
Suicidal thoughts are a normal symptom that tends to come with depression. In fact, the more serious the depression symptoms, the more severe and frequent the suicidal thoughts tend to be. Unfortunately, many people who experience severe depression begin to ruminate about dying and often begin to think that suicide is a solution to their pain. However, it is critical to note that these thoughts of suicide are a symptom of depression and that depression can be successfully treated.

Suicidal Thoughts Can Occur with Severe PTSD
Suicidal thoughts are also common in people who have experienced severe trauma and are suffering from severe PTSD, such as combat veterans or disaster victims. Some of the more common issues that contribute to these suicidal thoughts include, unresolved grief, unresolved guilt or remorse, relentless anxiety, inability to sleep, nightmares, flashbacks, and depression. Unfortunately, many people often hide their internal struggles and are reluctant to seek help.  As a result, their suicidal thoughts are often hidden and unknown to others.

Suicidal Thoughts Are Common in Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trauma
Suicidal thoughts are also common in people who have experienced severe sexual abuse trauma. When someone experiences repeated sexual abuse, they often learn to dissociate from their body and their minds by learning to detach the pain in their body and visualizing it somewhere else. Over time, they may begin to feel like the abuse is happening to someone else and not themselves. This extreme detachment often comes with thoughts of dying as it becomes a way of imagining a way out of the abuse for them. Over time, these thoughts of dying may reoccur when stressful situations arise or when the unresolved trauma re-emerges.

Suicidal Thoughts are Common in People with Personality Disorders
Suicidal thoughts frequently occur when someone is struggling with personality disorders. This is particularly common for individuals who have Borderline Personality Disorder. Individuals with this disorder often have intense feelings of abandonment and rejection and would often swing between idealizing others and devaluing them. As a result of feeling rejected, they may feel like life is not worth living. The combination of the intensity of their emotions and their impulsiveness often lead to suicidal thoughts or gestures.

Suicidal Thoughts can Occur with Addiction
Alcoholics and addicts often struggle with feelings of guilt and shame about their addiction, which often leads to feelings of depression and anxiety. Often, they try to cope with these feelings by drinking more alcohol or doing more drugs. Unfortunately, such actions tend to increase their feelings of depression and hopelessness instead, which can lead to thoughts of suicide. In addition, because alcohol and drugs decrease a person’s inhibitions, it can also make them more impulsive which may increase their risk of acting on their suicidal thoughts.

Suicide is entirely preventable and it does not have to happen. We can help save a life - our own or our loved ones, by taking action toward its prevention. Suicide does not have to be scary, embarrassing, or taboo. Rather, feeling suicidal is completely normal and common in many situations.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is vital to get help from mental health professionals as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Reaching out for help is, in fact, the best gift you can give yourself! :)
Feel free to contact us for a chat if you have any questions!

Written by: Lynn     Editted by: Alex
Suicide is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations, especially when it can be prevented. Whether you're considering suicide or know someone who feels suicidal, learning the suicidal warning signs and how to reach out for help can help to save a life — your own or someone else's.

What are suicidal thoughts? Suicidal thoughts, or suicide ideation, refers to thinking about or planning suicide. Thoughts can range from creating a detailed plan to having a fleeting consideration. But it does not include the final act of suicide.
Many people experience suicidal thoughts, especially during times of stress or when they are facing mental or physical health challenges. Suicidal thoughts are usually a symptom of an underlying problem. A person who experiences suicidal thoughts may show the following symptoms:
* ●    Talking about suicide — for e.g. making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself" or "I wish I were dead"
* ●    Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying dangerous weapons or stockpiling pills
* ●    Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
* ●    Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
* ●    Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
* ●    Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
* ●    Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
* ●    Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
* ●    Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
* ●    Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there's no other logical explanation for doing this
* ●    Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
* ●    Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the symptoms listed above

Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts can occur when a person feels that they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a debilitating illness or health condition. If you don't have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution.
Therefore, it is important to take note of the risk factors that contribute to suicide ideation for early prevention of suicidal thoughts.
One might be at risk of suicide if you:
* ●    Attempted suicide before
* ●    Feel hopeless, worthless, agitated, socially isolated or lonely
* ●    Experience a stressful life event, such as the loss of a loved one, military service, a breakup, or financial or legal problems
* ●    Have a substance abuse problem — alcohol and drug abuse can worsen thoughts of suicide and make you feel reckless or impulsive enough to act on your thoughts
* ●    Have an underlying psychiatric disorder, such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder
* ●    Have a family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, suicide, or violence, including physical or sexual abuse
* ●    Have a medical condition that can be linked to depression and suicidal thinking, such as chronic disease, chronic pain or terminal illness

If you're feeling suicidal or having urges to attempt suicide, do not hesitate to reach out for help now - Seek support from mental health or counselling professionals as soon as possible. Remember that while it may seem as if these suicidal thoughts and feelings will never end, this is never a permanent condition. You WILL feel better again.  

Do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Always remember that you are not alone in this! :)
Feel free to contact us for a chat whenever you need or if you have any questions!


Websites for more information:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/are-you-feeling-suicidal.htm
https://www.healthline.com/symptom/suicidal-behavior
https://scc.sg/e/suicide/