Thoughts of suicide can enter your mind as early as childhood. Suicidal thoughts are particularly concerning among individuals ages of 15 to 35. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals ages 15 to 24 and the second leading cause of death among 24- to 35-year-olds. Understanding the causes of suicidal thoughts is essential for prevention and treatment.
Tragic Experience
Suicidal thinking can result after experiencing a traumatic life experience such as the death of a loved one, a significant deterioration of your health, legal troubles or major financial difficulties such as bankruptcy. The sudden and unexpected nature of these tragedies can cause an overwhelming shock to your system. When efforts to deal with the stress of the unfortunate situation fall short, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can take over your thoughts. When life shows no improvement and you believe it never will, suicide can seem like the only option.
Depression
Sufferers of depression struggle with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness on a regular basis. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, suicide is a method of controlling negative thoughts and feelings that accompany mood disorders such as depression. Like other mood disorders, symptoms of depression can be regulated with medication and therapy. However, when thoughts of suicide arise, more serious interventions may be required to ensure a patient's safety.
Stress
Repeated exposure to physical, mental and emotional distress can trigger thoughts of suicide. Instances of abuse, neglect and abandonment are particularly stressful; however, suicidal thoughts can develop in response to any ongoing situation you perceive to be impossible to endure. In fact, stress can continue long after the instigating event has passed. For instance, sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder continue to relive traumatic events as a result of intrusive thoughts and may contemplate suicide as the sole means to end such thoughts.
Medications
According to EMedicineHealth.com, thoughts of suicide are a negative side effect of certain medications such as Singular, used to treat asthma, and anti-depressants such as Prozac and Paxil. Although children and teenagers are more susceptible to this particular risk, suicidal thoughts as a side effect of medication are rare occurrences. Manufacturers of anti-depressant medications include a disclaimer listing it as a potential side effect to consider when prescribing such medications to children and young adults.
