Suicidal thoughts, or suicidal ideation, means thinking about or planning suicide.

Suicidal thoughts are common, and many people experience them when they are undergoing stress or experiencing depression.

Fast facts about suicide ideation

• Causes of suicidal thoughts can include depression, anxiety, eating disorders such as anorexia, and substance abuse.
• People with a family history of mental illness are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

Symptoms

• feeling or appearing to feel trapped or hopeless
• having or appearing to have an abnormal preoccupation with violence, dying, or death
• having mood swings, either happy or sad
• talking about revenge, guilt, or shame
• being agitated, or in a heightened state of anxiety
• experiencing changes in personality, routine, or sleeping patterns
• consuming drugs or more alcohol than usual, or starting drinking when they had not previously done so
• engaging in risky behavior, such as driving carelessly or taking drugs
• getting hold of a gun, medications, or substances that could end a life
• experiencing depression, panic attacks, impaired concentration
• increased isolation
• saying goodbye to others as if it were the last time
• seeming to be unable to experience pleasurable emotions from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction
• severe remorse and self criticism
• talking about suicide or dying, expressing regret about being alive or ever having been born

Causes

Suicidal ideation can occur when a person feels they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, death of a loved on, a broken relationship, or a devastating or debilitating illness.

The following risk factors may have an impact on the probability of someone experiencing suicidal ideation:

• a family history of mental health issues
• a family history of violence
• a family history of suicide
• a feeling of hopelessness
• a feeling of seclusion or loneliness
• being gay with no family or home support
• being in trouble with the law
• being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• for children, having disciplinary, social or school problems
• having a psychiatric disorder or mental illness
• having attempted suicide before
• sleep deprivation

Reducing the risk

Family and friends may notice through a person’s speech or behavior that they could be at risk. They can help by talking to the person and by seeking appropriate support.​

The following may help lower the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts:

• getting family support, for example, talking to them about how you feel and asking them to meet your health provider and possibly attend sessions with you
• avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs
• avoiding isolation and staying connected to the outside world, as much as possible
• doing exercise
• eating a well-balanced, healthful diet
• getting at least 7-8 hours continuous sleep in every 24-hour period
• removing any guns, knives, and dangerous drugs, for example, by giving them to a trusted friend to take care of
• seeking out things that give you pleasure, such as being with friends or family you like, and focusing on the good things you have
• attending a self-help or support group, where you can discuss issues with people who understand, get help from others, and help people with similar problems to get through their difficulties
• seeking and following treatment

Remember that many people experience suicidal thoughts at some time, and many of them find a solution, for example, by sharing their problem with someone.