Suicide and Suicide Related Thoughts

Taking own life as a reaction to stressful life situations is suicide. People think of suicide when there is no other way to solve problems and suicide is the only way to end pain but it can be prevented for sure.

Warning signs and symptoms of suicide include:

• talking about suicide,
• buying stock piling pills or gun to take own life,
• avoiding social life,
• having mood swings,
• thinking only about death, dying or violence,
• feeling trapped or hopeless in a situation,
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs,
• change in sleep patterns,
• doing self-destructive things and saying goodbye to people.

These signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts vary from person to person depending on their mentality.

A number of underlying conditions can cause suicide-related thoughts.

When a person can’t seem to cope or face a situation then most often they think of suicide. A genetic link has also been found to be associated with suicide. The people who complete suicide are more likely to have a family history of suicide.

If you've been diagnosed with a mental condition and are experiencing thoughts of suicide, call your local suicide hotline immediately.

Doctor will perform physical examination and ask in depth questions to determine mental condition. Assessments might include:

• mental health conditions- in most cases, suicidal thoughts are due to an underlying health conditions. A psychiatrist help is needed to cure an underlying mental health issue.
• Physical health conditions- suicidal thinking may be linked to an underlying physical health condition. To determine and diagnose a physical health condition blood tests are required.
• Alcohol and drug misuse- alcohol and drug abuse might lead to development of suicidal thoughts. Medical help can help them to leave alcohol or drug abuse.
• Medications- certain drugs prescribed for other medical complications can lead to the development of suicidal thoughts. Children who feel suicidal usually need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist experienced in diagnosing and treating suicide related cases with children.

Treatment for suicide and suicide related thoughts includes:

• Psychotherapy- psychological counselling or talk therapy, doctor learns about the situations which cause the development of suicidal thoughts and try to help the situation to manage emotions and suppress the suicidal feeling.
• Medications- antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications and other medications to treat mental illness can be used to reduce the symptoms.
• Addiction treatment- treatment for drug alcohol abuse can induce detoxification, addiction treatment programs and self-help groups. Family support and education- loved one’s help is required to cure from the suicidal thoughts.
• A supportive family will help to cure the suicidal thoughts faster.

Prevention of suicidal thoughts include:

• avoiding drugs- substance abuse is dangerous and can lead to thoughts like suicide. It is better to avoid drug abuse.
• medications- consult doctor about medications prescribed and their adverse effects. If necessary drugs must be changed to avoid serious adverse effects like suicidal thoughts.
• avoiding alcohol- avoid alcohol abuse there are many medications which can help reduce abuse of alcohol. If over the counter drugs do not work seek medical help to get rid of alcohol.

Some lifestyle measures which can help you with suicide-related thoughts include:

• never skip appointments with doctor,
• take medications as directed,
• learn about your condition and prevent activities which can worsen the situation,
• pay attention to warning signs,
• change in any behavior must be noticed,
• eliminate things which can be used to harm while attack of suicidal thoughts,
• seek help from support groups.

The following are the risk factors of suicide:

• Women are more likely to have suicide thoughts but men are more likely to complete suicide.
• Feeling of hopeless, worthless or agitated,
• Experiencing stressful life events like loss of loved ones,
• Having substance abuse problem,
• having suicidal thoughts and access to firearms,
• having psychiatric diseases,
• having underlying health conditions such as chronic diseases or non-curable diseases,
• Being transgender or being unsupported,
• being uncertain of sexual orientation,
• being victim of bullying,
• medical issues like becoming pregnant and attempting suicide before.

It is more common in children and teenagers due to peer pressure. people get so consumed by suicidal thoughts that they can’t perform daily activities.

While some attempted suicides lead to death but others leave permanent injuries like organ failure. People are often left with grief, anger, depression and guilt after suicidal attempts.