Thoughts of Suicide

At some point, maybe even right now, you or someone you know may feel like "giving up" on life. There may be many different reasons for the powerful feelings of despair that result in suicidal thoughts, including:

• major life changes
• stress
• loss
• disappointment
• bullying
• rejection
• loneliness

Sometimes it may not be clear why you or someone else is in such terrible emotional pain. Depression, which often precedes suicidal thinking, can be caused by numerous biological, psychological and environmental factors, or a combination of all three. Although depression can lead to overwhelming feelings of hopelessness it's important to keep in mind that depression is a treatable illness.

If you find yourself thinking that suicide is the only escape from the pain that you are suffering it's very important to seek medical attention immediately. You may not be able to see them at the moment, but there are other options.

Kids Help Phone is open 24 hours a day, every day. If you are not sure where to turn call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 and talk with one of our counsellors. They can help you identify common warning signs of suicide, give you some ideas about what to keep in mind if you want to help someone who is thinking about suicide, or link you to local resources that can help.

Common Warning Signs

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide here is a list of common warning signs you should pay attention to:

• writing about suicide
• talking about suicide (i.e. "I want to die", "I hate myself", "There is no point to living")
• preoccupation with death and dying
• giving away meaningful belongings
• direct or indirect verbal threats
• loss of interest in friends, school or activities previously enjoyed
• decreased work or academic performance
• increased and unnecessary risk taking
• heavy use of alcohol or drugs
• neglect in hygiene or personal appearance
• weight or appetite change
• sleeplessness or sleepiness
• low self esteem
• lack of response to praise
• hopelessness or helplessness

If you recognize yourself or someone you know in this list it's important to seek professional help immediately. Contact Kids Help Phone, a hospital, a counselling centre or a suicide hotline.

What to Keep in Mind

If you want to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts here are a few things to remember:

• discussing suicide will not increase the risk of suicide
• talk about suicide or suicide attempts aren't just attention seeking strategies — they reflect genuine inner pain and turmoil and should be taken seriously
• suicidal thoughts result from an inability to see other options
• people having suicidal thoughts often feel they are a burden, so it's important to let them know they are loved and cared for, and how devastating their loss would be to others
• it's important to ask a person directly if they are contemplating suicide — if the answer is yes, find out if that person has a method and a plan in mind and if so, they should be considered at high risk and you should seek help immediately.

Sometimes it can seem like suicide is the only option to escape the pain you are suffering but it's not. There are alternatives for dealing with emotional pain and there are people to turn to for help. Remember Kids Help Phone is open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Links

• Reach Out: Wanting to end your life
• Kidshealth.org: My friend is talking about suicide. What should I do?
  
• Mindyourmind.ca: Keira's story - how to get help when you're in distress
• Mindyourmind.ca: Brian's story - how to help a friend in distress

Last checked: January 2010

Topic Library > Coping with Strong Feelings > Thoughts of Suicide