Suicidal thoughts and suicide

Most people experience difficult periods in their lives. It’s only human to reach a breaking point, and many problems all in one go may become too much. When everything feels bleak and hopeless, it is not unusual to have thoughts about death and that life is not worth living.

Research suggests that about 1 in 20 people experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their life. Nevertheless, very few of them have no desire to live. What most of them want is a change in their lives right now. Although you may experience pain and hopelessness in difficult times, you mustn’t give up. Help is there for you, and life will get better again. It's important that you know that, too.

Advice if you have suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can range from passing thoughts that life is not worth living, to actual plans to take one’s own life.

The reasons why someone has suicidal thoughts or chooses to end their life are often complex. Some people experience suicidal thoughts in connection with mental disorders and distress, and others as a reaction to a personal crisis. For others, there is no one specific cause.

Personal crisis

It is important to be alert to reactions following critical, distressing events in someone’s life. Everyone will mostly likely experience such situations in the course of their life, and for some it may trigger a personal crisis and put the person at risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide. Examples of such situations are:

• divorce, breakup and heartbreak
• bereavement and grief following the death of a loved one
• violence and abuse
• psychological trauma
• severe physical illness
• bullying and conflicts
• loneliness and isolation
• challenges at work or school
• unemployment
• financial problems
• alcohol and substance abuse problems

In other words, suicidal thoughts can happen without there being any mental disorder. Having these thoughts is a sign that life is not the way it should be, and that the problems need to be addressed, and a solution found. If those thoughts become too intrusive, it is important to seek professional help.

Depression, anxiety and other mental disorders

About 20 percent of the population will suffer a depression one or more times in their lifetime. It is not uncommon for people with a clinical depression to have thoughts of suicide.

It is normal to have periods in life where your mood fluctuates or you feel sad, but if you notice that it affects your quality of life, self-esteem and everyday functioning, it is important to seek help.

Here's more information about what depression is and where you can get help.

Other mental disorders

A number of other mental illnesses increase the risk of suicide. In addition to depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and personality disorders are also associated with increased suicide risk.