Suicide: The Scary Side of Depression

Depression affects more than 260 million people worldwide. Depression does not discriminate against age, race, economic standing, or gender.

Mental health disorders and suicide are highly misunderstood. When someone comes out and talks about suicidal thoughts or mental health struggles, they’re often faced with shame from those around them.

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• Risk factors of suicide
• Signs of suicidal ideation
• What to do to help a loved one who is suicidal
• Resources to help

We’re here to help drop the veil on suicidal ideation to help you help someone you love. 

Risk Factors of Suicide

Suicide usually isn’t a quick decision. The thoughts and inner turmoil build up over time. That being said, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of suicidal ideation. Not everyone who has experienced the below risk factors will experience suicidal attempts, but the likelihood does increase.

Depression

Most people will experience depression at some point in their life. It’s important to note that the majority of people who have depression won’t attempt suicide. However, moderate to severe cases of depression are linked to a greater risk factor of suicide.

Related Resources: Depression Symptoms and Treatments

Mental Health Disorders are Illnesses

Someone who is struggling with suicidal ideation is not to blame for their current issues. Mental health disorders like depression are diseases, they aren’t choices and they aren’t the results of bad decisions.

Mental health disorders are diseases that are hard to live with but can be treated with professional help.

Self-Harm

Self-harm is a coping mechanism often used to cope with depressive thoughts. It’s not a disorder but a negative way to soothe distressing thoughts or events. Non-suicidal self harm (NSSI) is not suicidal ideation. However, it creates a greater risk of suicide if help isn’t provided.  

Related Articles: How To Help Someone Who Self Harms

Substance Abuse

Substance use disorder is a leading risk factor for suicide. People who are struggling with a substance use disorder should be informed of the common risk of suicidal ideation and what to look out for.

Schizophrenia

Studies have found a higher-than-normal chance of suicide or suicide attempts in those with schizophrenia. Monitoring suicidal ideation in someone with schizophrenia is more difficult than other disorders because schizophrenia can often lead to impulsive actions.

Significant and Dramatic Life Changes

The perfect storm of lay-off, death, and significant life changes can lead to thoughts of suicide. Events like these require a grieving process and can create distressing feelings, thoughts, and often trauma. 

Being in The LGBTQIA+ Community

People in the LGBTQIA+ community experience suicidality and mental health disorders at a higher rate than those who aren’t. This is because of the high amount of discrimination, stigmatization, victimization, and violence the LGBTQIA+ community experiences.

Related Articles: Mental Health in the LGBTQIA+ Community: Not Always Rainbows

Signs of Suicidal Ideation

The signs that someone is considering ending their life can be subtle, but there are things you can look out for if you’re worried about the welfare of a friend. People who are considering suicide exhibit signs by presenting new behaviors or talking differently.

To catch the signs of suicide you’ll need to keep a close eye on your friend. Pay attention to how they speak and how they’ve been acting. If you notice small to significant changes, offer support.

How They Talk

Suicidal ideation may manifest in what people talk about. If someone is experiencing suicidal ideation, there’s a chance they’ll start to talk about the following topics more often:

• Feelings of helplessness
• Death in general or in specific ways
• Feelings that things would be easier if they weren’t around
• Talking about killing themself

The way people talk about these subjects is important and can be the outcome of deeper mental health issues. These topics shouldn’t be shrugged off or avoided. If you notice a change in speech it’s important to take note and ask questions.

How They Act

Someone who is experiencing suicidal ideation may experience a change in behavior and mood. These behaviors can range from isolation to public outbursts.

• Recklessness or self-destructive behavior
• Giving away possessions
• Expressing rage
• Social withdrawal
• Increased substance use
• Sudden improvement in mood

The behaviors associated with suicidal ideation exist on a large spectrum. There’s no extensive list that covers everything. If you notice a sudden or subtle change in behavior, reach out and offer support. One of the best things you can do is check in on your friends often. Especially if you notice a change.

What To Do if You’re Concerned For A Loved One

If you’ve observed signs of suicidal ideation in a friend or family member, it’s important to be proactive and offer support where you can. 

These are the things you should do if you’re concerned that someone is considering suicide.

Ask Questions & Listen

Don’t assume anything about your loved one’s situation. There may be some things that you don’t know about. The best way to know if something is wrong is to ask questions and listen to what they have to say.

Bringing up the topic of suicide shouldn’t be taboo. Asking about suicide won’t increase suicidal thoughts. However, it will help people feel less isolated.

While asking questions, be an active listener. Don’t assume anything about their situation. Instead, listen to what they have to say and don’t interrupt them.

One thing to keep in mind is be mindful of how you resond. People who die by suicide are not selfish and looking for an “easy way out.” Their internal storm of suicidal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors has nothing to do with how much they care about you. If you are having a conversation with someone about suicidality, please remember that their experience is personal and that they are not sharing the heaviest parts of their heart to hurt you. 

Create A Network

If your loved one recognizes their issues, help them build a support network. You can help identify other family members or friends who can help encourage them, bring them to appointments, and check in on them.

Having a solid support system means that they’ll have more people to reach out to if they ever experience a suicide attempt.

Encourage Professional Help

Offering support for a loved one is important, but helping them seek professional help is just as important. Professionals are educated and trained to help people with mental health illnesses. 

At Inner Balance Counseling, we specialize in helping people feel better. With online therapy options available, it’s easier to find a counselor who will fit your needs. Reach out today to request a consultation.

Keep The Crisis Hotline Close

The suicide and crisis lifeline is a proven lifeline anyone can use. They offer free and confidential emotional support to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Call or text 988 to reach the suicide hotline.

Keep this number close and make sure your loved one knows it’s a resource available to them.

What To Do If Someone Has Told You They Want to Commit Suicide

If you find yourself in a situation where someone has directly expressed they want to commit suicide, call 911 and stay with them. Try to keep them calm while you wait for help to arrive or take them to the emergency room if you think you can do so safely.

Depression Can Get Scary. Inner Balance Can Help

Suicidal ideation is difficult to navigate. It can be heartbreaking, frightening, and frustrating. When you encourage a loved one to seek help for their suicidal thoughts, don’t forget to speak to someone yourself. 

Compassion fatigue makes it harder to care for someone who needs help. By seeking counseling, you can be the best support system possible.

Whether it’s for you to better support someone, or for seeking help for suicidal ideation, contact Inner Balance Counseling today.