Understanding the Causes of Suicide

You can overcome suicidal thoughts by understanding the causes of suicide. If depression or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) affects you or someone you care about, you know that one symptom of these illnesses may be feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. If such thoughts occur, there are ways to respond with strength and courage. Causes of suicide can be treated with the right kind of care, attention, and support.

Here are some causes of suicide to keep in mind:

• Mood disorders are not character flaws or signs of personal weakness, nor are they conditions that will just go away if a person thinks positive.
• Mood disorders are medical conditions caused by changes in the chemistry of the body and brain. Depression and bipolar disorder may cause symptoms such as intense sadness, hopelessness, low energy, loss of appetite, changes in sleep patterns, inability to concentrate, decreased ability to perform one's usual tasks, loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.
• Depression and bipolar disorder are treatable with medication, psychotherapy or therapy, support from others and changes in lifestyle. With the right treatment, all symptoms can improve, including suicidal thoughts.
• Desperate attempts to control the symptoms of a mood disorder are causes of suicide. During severe depression, as brain chemicals become out of balance, a person can't help but focus on memories that are dark and sad, and feelings of hopelessness about the future. Remembering only the bad times or disappointments in life and believing only bad things will continue to happen is a symptom of the illness. It is not a part of a person's true self.

How to Control the Causes of Suicide

The belief that there is no hope is not the truth. When you feel this way, it's your illness talking, your mind is lying to you. Remind yourself that suicidal thoughts are not reality. It is important to recognize the causes of suicide for what they are: expressions of a treatable medical illness. They are not true and they are not your fault. Don't let fear, shame or embarrassment stand in the way of communication with your physician, therapist, family, or friends; tell someone right away.

Ways to Control the Causes of Suicide

• Tell a trusted family member, friend, or other support person, someone you can talk with honestly. Try not to be alone when you feel this way. This may mean sitting quietly with a family member or friend, going to a support group or going to a hospital.
• Get help. Tell your health care professional. Suicidal thinking can be treated. When suicidal thoughts occur, they are your signal that, more than ever, you need help from a professional.
• Know that you can get through the causes of suicide. Promise yourself you will hang on for another day, hour, minute, or whatever you can manage.

This article on causes of suicide is reprinted with the permission of The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.