Why do people talk about committing suicide

Sometimes problems can feel overwhelming. Some people think about suicide, but do not plan or act on it. For others, however, the thought of suicide might begin to seem like a real alternative to a problem or situation that appears hopeless. When people feel this bad, it is difficult to think about other choices or other ways to solve problems.

Each individual is unique; there is no single reason as to why someone thinks about or commits suicide. However, there are several factors that may contribute to someone having suicidal thoughts.

• Experiencing a major life transition, such as the loss of a loved one, breaking up with a boyfriend/girlfriend, moving to a new place, or failing an exam or course, may cause someone to feel unloved, depressed, isolated and lonely.
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Problems seem too much and no matter what is done, nothing appears to be getting better and no one seems to care or help.
• Developing negative feelings about oneself. Someone who is suicidal may experience feelings of worthlessness and of being a failure. He or she may experience academic and or social problems at university.
• Wanting to end unbearable emotional pain or problems that are too overwhelming.
• Alcohol and substance abuse can cause someone to lose self-control and engage in impulsive suicidal behaviours.
• Depression is the leading cause of suicide. Depression can affect thinking so that it becomes hard to think of other ways out of a situation. People feel hopeless, helpless and see no reason to live.
• Unresolved anger. Sometimes suicide may be linked to unexpressed anger. For some people it is hard to acknowledge their anger.