Why Do People Commit Suicide?
Every year, thousands of Americans commit suicide… Sadly, it’s the 10th leading cause of death in the United State affecting not only the victim, but the surviving family members and friends. Undeniably, the pressing question is. Why is sucide so common? When a loved one takes their own life, it can feel impossible to understand. What was going through their mind that lead to this most terrible, permanent decision? It can be a lot to take in. While it may be impossible to truly know why someone chose to take their own life, these are some common;y identified factors.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal ideation:
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Why Do People Commit Suicide?
Is it depression? Often cited as the cause, depression doesn’t impact all victims, and certainly not every depressed person commits suicide, only about 5% of do. Everyone experiences a different, unique chain of events in their life that can, potentially, lead to it.
The ‘Main’ Risk Factors
According to the National Institute of Mental Health increased risk factors for suicideinclude the follwoing:
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- Mental health disorders
- Depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, & eating disorders. (These place an incredible toll on the individuals’ state of mind and overall wellness)
- Substance abuse problems
- Substance abuse is linked with impulsivity, and the influence the substances can have on a person might make them more susceptible to suicidal ideation than when sober. The link between substance abuse and depression/mental health disorders can be a terrible combination for a person.
- Family history of mental health disorders or suicide
- A family history of mental health problems can suggest the presence of those same problems in family members who haven’t been diagnosed. These things are also an ongoing trauma, a difficulty for others in their family that can affect them.
- Family violence, physical or sexual abuse
- Being in prison/jail
- Isolation own it own is one of the hardest things for a person to experience, we’re social creatures and rely on our social group as a support network. When people don’t have access to that support in addition to the other stresses of being incarcerated it can magnify that isolation.
- Medical illness
- Feeling unwell day in and day out has a tremendous impact on a person’s quality of life. In some cases it can also give a person suffering from chronic pain/illness the idea that they are a burden to others, or making their loved ones’ lives harder.
- Exposure to others’ suicidal behavior
- Being between 15-24 or over 60
- A prior suicide attempt
- Mental health disorders
Why people commit suicide can have a huge range of ‘reasons,’ (in quotes because suicide is never a reasonable act, it is one borne from deperation, confusion, fear of loss, and more) and when more than one of those factors are present it only increases the risk.
Why Do Young People Commit Suicide?
It is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24.
- Family conflict
- Loss of other people
- Grades
- Relationships
- Sexual identity
For many young people, these can seem impossible to navigate and being afraid of talking with friends or teachers puts a block up between them and their support system. Without help, they may feel like there is only one choice left to them.
Why Do Veterans Commit Suicide?
Veterans are an extremely high risk population for suicide, not only due to documented cases of PTSD, but because of the high propensity to “avoid seeking help”, veterans often find themselves self medicating with alcohol or other substances. There has often been a stigma associated with asking for help, and this coupled with strong feelings of trauma, depression, or rage can propel these individuals into suicidal ideations; without family or friends even knowing they are in need of help.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs covers PTSD in more detail.
There may be no warning signs at all. The mind is complex, and the struggles someone is going through might not manifest in any ‘visible’ ways. This can leave their loved ones double guessing what they possible could have missed.
We can’t fix the past, we can only take comfort that we did our best with what we knew. Suicide is often an act made during an emotionally charged combination of difficult streses and complex feelings in a volatile mix, that no One Thing could fix.
Dealing with the aftermath of a suicide can be extremeley overhwleming. Whether a close friend, family member, neighbor, or figure in the media, feelings can arise that are inexplicable and leave one questioning their environmental stability and values.
Know, all your feelings are NORMAL and part of the grieving / healing process.
Here, at the BIOClean Team, our goal is to assist survivors in moving forward through some of the immediately pressing and overwhelming needs. This may be a simple phone call to guide you forward with an open ear, or it may be a full cleanup. Traumatic incidents can happen to anyone, please know you are not alone.
Not only is The BIOClean Team founder a registered nurse with over ten years or trauma and emergency experience, she is also a surviving friend of more than “a few” personal tragedies. Stacy’s personal cell is always open to families who need advice or assistance, even if no cleanup services are rendered.
Additionally, you can rest assured, The BIOClean Team technicians are highly trained and specialized to deal with these services. They are discreet, respectful, thoroughly trained, and properly certified.