People who are struggling with mental health issues can often have suicidal thoughts, but this does not necessarily mean that they will attempt suicide.  However this does not make having these thoughts any less traumatic for them.  Many people who are suffering suicidal thoughts often feel unable to confide in someone about how they are feeling.

Suicidal thoughts can happen for many different reasons, generally they occur as a result of an overwhelming life event, leaving the person feeling like they are unable to cope and that suicide is their only option. These feelings can happen when a person feels like they have no hope left for the future and no reason to carry on.

Although suicide attempts are more common in women they are more often undertaken by men as they are more likely to use lethal methods.

Causes

It’s also believed that there may be a genetic link to suicide, and that if you have a family history of suicidal thoughts or attempts you are more likely to be affected by this.

Symptoms

It is important to remember that not everyone who is feeling suicidal will show symptoms, but these can include:

·      Increasing their use of alcohol or recreational drugs

·      Withdrawing from social activities and spending more time alone

·      Saying things like they wish they hadn’t been born or were dead

·      Saying goodbye to people as though it’s the last time they will see them

·      Giving away their belongings or getting things in order without any obvious need to do so

·      Mood swings which are sometimes extreme

·      Seem to be preoccupied with violence and death

·      Changing their eating and sleeping patterns

·      Acting recklessly or developing self-destructive behaviours

Risk Factors

You may be more at risk of suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide if:

·      You have previously attempted suicide

·      Have an underlying mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression

·      Have a medical condition that is linked to depression like, substance abuse a chronic pain condition or a potentially terminal illness

·      Have a family history of mental health disorders, substance abuse, or violence, either physical or sexual

·      Are part of the LGBQT+ community and don’t have the support of family or friends or are living in a hostile environment

Self-Help

Professional Help

If you are having thoughts of self-harming or feeling suicidal you should contact your doctor and confide your feelings to them.  They will check to see if you have any underlying physical or mental health conditions that are causing you to feel this way.

They can also prescribe a variety of medications including antianxiety medication, antidepressants and SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to help you.  Sometimes medication alone is not enough, and some people are unable to tolerate the side effects.  Therapy is often the best way to help you to understand and overcome your suicidal thoughts and feelings. A variety of therapies including counselling, psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and clinical hypnotherapy can all be successful forms of treatment.  Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.