Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide, a topic swept under the carpet until it happens. The stigma, the pain, the loss. The thought of being dead is better than being alive.
In 2018, there were 6,507 suicides registered in the UK. 6,507 took their own life, for many different reasons. 6,507 too many. Every year roughly 800,000 end their own life with many many more attempting to end their life.
To understand suicidal thoughts first we must understand what is suicide and what are the leading contributors.
What is suicide?
Suicide is the act of taking one's own life. Up until 1961 suicide was illegal and those who failed were prosecuted, relating to the term 'committing' suicide. Suicide is a result of ending a person's life either intentionally or unintentionally through accident. Suicide and attempts of suicide can have everlasting effects on an individual, their family and community.
What is the cause of suicidal thoughts?
There is no single cause of having thoughts relating to suicide. Nor does it target a specific group of people. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone at any age, any race, religion, sex, background at any time. However there are some factors that can increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts such as;
Getting Support
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself then it's very important to get some form of support. It is highly recommended to book an appointment with your Doctor and explain to them what is going on. They can then signpost you to various organisations which are able to provide support in the form of counselling, medication, education and so much more.
The important thing to reach out and recognise that you're not alone.
If going to a GP seems overwhelming you could talk to various helplines all over the world which you can find here that give advice and information about suicide and can give an insight as to why you're feeling a certain way.
In 2018, there were 6,507 suicides registered in the UK. 6,507 took their own life, for many different reasons. 6,507 too many. Every year roughly 800,000 end their own life with many many more attempting to end their life.
To understand suicidal thoughts first we must understand what is suicide and what are the leading contributors.
What is suicide?
Suicide is the act of taking one's own life. Up until 1961 suicide was illegal and those who failed were prosecuted, relating to the term 'committing' suicide. Suicide is a result of ending a person's life either intentionally or unintentionally through accident. Suicide and attempts of suicide can have everlasting effects on an individual, their family and community.
What is the cause of suicidal thoughts?
There is no single cause of having thoughts relating to suicide. Nor does it target a specific group of people. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone at any age, any race, religion, sex, background at any time. However there are some factors that can increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts such as;
- Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, BPD, schizophrenia etc
- Relationship difficulties such as divorce, the end of a relationship, family issues etc.
- Being bullied or discriminated against
- Being subject to abuse such as domestic, sexual or physical
- Struggling with bereavement, losing a loved one to suicide or natural causes such as a parent or sibling dying
- Financial difficulties, being in debt or struggling to pay rent and other bills
- Being homeless or other housing issues
- Having a physical illness such as cancer or other diseases
- Going through sudden changes such as being made redundant
- Feeling inadequate or having low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- Being in the prison system
- Battling addiction or substance abuse such as alcohol or other drugs like heroin
- Isolation and loneliness, lack of social interaction
- Going through pregnancy, childbirth or suffering from postnatal depression
- Experiencing a traumatic event such as rape or a car collision
- Having doubts of gender, sexual orientation or identity in general
Getting Support
If you're experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself then it's very important to get some form of support. It is highly recommended to book an appointment with your Doctor and explain to them what is going on. They can then signpost you to various organisations which are able to provide support in the form of counselling, medication, education and so much more.
The important thing to reach out and recognise that you're not alone.
If going to a GP seems overwhelming you could talk to various helplines all over the world which you can find here that give advice and information about suicide and can give an insight as to why you're feeling a certain way.
Credit: Childline
For UK Residents, please call;
Samaritans
116 123
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website: www.samaritans.org
Childline
0800 1111
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Lifeline
08088088000
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website: www.lifelinehelpline.info
For US Residents, please call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website :www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Please click here for many various lifelines. All of these are great lines for listening and supporting whatever your going through! No matter how big or small the issue is. If you want, you can personally message me here
Samaritans
116 123
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website: www.samaritans.org
Childline
0800 1111
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Lifeline
08088088000
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website: www.lifelinehelpline.info
For US Residents, please call:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Languages: English
Website :www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Please click here for many various lifelines. All of these are great lines for listening and supporting whatever your going through! No matter how big or small the issue is. If you want, you can personally message me here