Why do people think about suicide?

Understanding suicide and suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can be experienced by anyone at any point in their life.

When a person has suicidal thoughts, it can be overwhelming, scary, and lonely. These thoughts can come and go, or they can feel more constant. Each person will have a different experience.

While feeling suicidal can feel like an isolating experience, many people have also struggled with thoughts about ending their lives. On average, 400,000 Australians experience suicidal thoughts each year.[1]

There are many reasons why someone may be thinking about suicide, including:

• The emotional pain feels unbearable.
• They feel like they don’t belong.
• They feel like a burden.
• They are unable to see a way forward.

Suicidal thoughts can show up in different ways, including:

• Hopelessness – feeling trapped or thinking that things won’t improve.
• Withdrawal – disconnecting from family, friends, and social activities.
• Mood swings – having emotional outbursts or sudden mood swings.
• Numbness – having low energy or feeling numb.
• Irritable – being more irritable or agitated than usual.
• Risk-taking – increasing risky behaviour, substance misuse, and acting recklessly.
• Saying goodbye – saying you won’t be around or giving away personal items.
• Ongoing thoughts about death – thinking or talking about death or dying.

If you are concerned about someone, you can also read more in our Suicide warning signs article.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek support. Call SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251 to speak to a counsellor. If it is an emergency, please call 000 immediately.

Understanding the risk factors of suicide

The reasons why someone may be thinking of suicide are complex. There is often no single reason why a person attempts or dies by suicide. Several factors can increase a person’s risk of thinking about ending their life.

People who are thinking about suicide tend to feel alone, isolated, and like a burden to those around them. They may feel like they have no way out and no one can understand what they are going through.

Below are some of the risk factors for suicide. Please note that not everyone who has these risk factors is suicidal.

• Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• Substance use problems
• Serious illness or chronic pain
• Grief or loss
• Trauma, abuse, or bullying
• Discrimination
• Loneliness or isolation
• Feeling inadequate or a sense of hopelessness
• Previous suicide attempt
• Life circumstances – financial, job, legal, or relationship problems.

Suicidal thoughts are seldom caused by a single risk factor or event. It is usually a range of factors and situations that increase a person’s risk.

It is also worth noting that not everyone who has suicidal thoughts has a mental health condition. A mental health condition such as depression or anxiety can increase the risk, but usually, other factors also contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours. There are also many people who experience mental health issues who do not have thoughts of suicide. For more information, read our article on Myths about suicide.

Getting support

If you are concerned about someone, talk to the person so they can get the support they need. Our article on How to start the conversation with someone who may be thinking about suicide has guidance to help you.

Try to encourage the person to get support. Here are some suggestions on who they can contact:

• Make an appointment with their GP, psychologist, counsellor or mental health provider. Victoria’s Better Health Channel has more information on the healthcare system.
• Call a 24/7 helpline like SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 13YARN on 13 92 76.
• Visit the Medicare Mental Health website to connect with mental health services.
• Search for a GP, healthcare professional or service provider on Healthdirect.
• Read our article on Professional services available to Victorians.

• If it is an emergency, call 000 Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions,

When someone is thinking about suicide, it can be an isolating, painful, and distressing experience. The suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that people can move through the emotional pain and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Help is available in the short and long term to support recovery and healing.

If you or someone you know needs support, SuicideLine Victoria has professional counsellors available 24/7. Call us on 1300 651 251 or click the button on the right to access online counselling. Our service is free.

If it is an emergency, call 000.

References

[1] State of the States in Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention Australia https://www.suicidepreventionaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/State-of-the-States-Report-2023.pdf

Suicide and mental illness

Mental illness is a significant risk factor when it comes to feelings of suicide, although it is complex relationship.

People with mental illness have a higher risk of suicide than that of the general population. However, mental illness alone does not cause feelings of suicide, but rather their mental illness and negative life events can trigger suicidal thoughts.

Don’t let it build up. If you’re concerned about your emotional or mental health, call SuicideLine Victoria on 1300 651 251. Our professional counsellors are available 24/7. If it is an emergency, call 000.