Suicidal Thoughts Series Part I - How do suicidal thoughts come about?

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/