Why do people feel suicidal?

Young people who have been physically or sexually abused are more at risk, but it can happen to anybody.

Suicidal thoughts can come into your head for no reason at all. This is very frightening and sometimes happens because some of the chemicals in your brain are not working properly. You may have an illness called depression which you will need to talk to your doctor about.

Using alcohol and other drugs can actually make some people suicidal. Even cannabis can have this effect too.

Suicidal feelings usually happen because of a combination of factors like these, or they could be triggered by a sudden personal crisis which causes despair.

Like for example:

• splitting up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
• being bullied
• feeling ashamed of something you've done
• feeling ashamed of something that was not your fault
• someone close to you has died
• not getting the exam results you wanted
• feeling confused about your sexuality
• feeling you can't live up to other people's expectations
• problems at home
• when someone close to you has attempted/ actually taken their own life

Warning signs

A lot of people think only mentally ill or clinically depressed people make serious suicide attempts. Although the majority of suicides are judged to have some kind of serious mental illness, it can often be undiagnosed and well hidden.

Some factors can indicate suicide risk, but a lot of people show no signs at all and seem no different from usual. It is very difficult to tell if someone is suicidal or depressed, as everyone has unique feelings and reacts in different ways.

People who are having suicidal thoughts often feel worthless, hopeless about the future, or believe that no one cares about them. They may start to feel that the world would be a better place without them and think “what’s the point?”

Factors which can indicate suicide risk include:

• acting quiet and withdrawn and having problems communicating
• feeling tired all the time
• feeling sad and miserable
• being the life and soul of the party
• feeling tearful, or trying hard not to cry
• having sleep problems, and waking up early
• eating less (or more) than usual
• taking less care of themselves, eating badly or not caring what they look like
• losing interest in things they usually enjoy doing, like seeing friends