Suicidal Thoughts Series Part II - Are suicidal thoughts normal?

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!