Co-author: Ricole Tay
Suicide ideation is a pressing issue that circles around mental health and mental disorders. Many life stressors can trigger one’s suicide ideation and can affect individuals from various age groups and backgrounds. According to CNA, 476 suicide cases were reported in Singapore last year. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) has revealed that this number of suicide has been the highest in more than 20 years. This statistic has reemphasised the importance of mental health care and recognising the signs. In this article, we hope to shed light on suicide ideation and the significance of seeking help for those struggling with such thoughts.
What is suicide ideation?
Suicide ideation, commonly also referred to as suicidal thoughts or ideas, encompass a broad spectrum of desires and contemplations centred around death and the act of suicide. Individuals may become preoccupied with the idea of suicide with varying levels of engagement, ranging from occasional to daily thoughts. Suicide ideation can manifest in two forms: Passive Suicide Ideation and Active Suicide Ideation. Passive Suicide Ideation is characterised by having thoughts of suicide or self-harm without the intention to act on those thoughts. On the other hand, Active Suicide Ideation refers to thoughts of suicide or self-harm accompanied and has formulated a plan to carry out those actions.
Signs of suicide ideation:
Withdrawal from friends, family and social activities
Talking or joking about death or suicide
Expressing an unusual interest in topics of death or suicide
Self-harming
Feelings of hopelessness and despair
The sudden display of reckless, impulsive behaviour and mood swings
Giving away possessions that are known to be valued by the individual
Expressing feelings of being a burden to family or/and friends
Making plans for after the individual is ‘gone’
What causes suicide ideations?
While the reason and likelihood of being more prone to suicide ideations can vary from individual to individual, past studies have ascertained that suicide ideations often revolve heavily around mental health disorders and past trauma.
Mental health disorders. Depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or substance abuse can contribute to one’s risk of suicide ideations.
Childhood trauma or abuse. Adverse childhood experiences have been proven to increase the child’s vulnerability to attempting suicide in adulthood.
Childhood emotional neglect. Children raised in a family dynamic under-responsive to their emotional needs exhibit a lack of emotional awareness and understanding, thereby unintentionally fostering a negative relationship involving emotions and would be more vulnerable to mental health disorders and suicidal ideations. This compromises of the child’s ability to cultivate adequate and valuable emotional skills such as emotional regulation and expression. Children who experienced emotional neglect when they were younger may have difficulties processing and knowing how to regulate and remain attuned to their emotions later in life. As emotions play a pivotal role in an individual’s daily life, the inability to effectively manage one’s own feelings can profoundly impact their interpersonal relationship. This, in turn, can have detrimental consequences on their mental health, potentially leading to the emergence of suicidal ideations.
Lack of social support. Individuals with a lack of a support system may feel isolated and lonely, exacerbating feelings of hopelessness. Individuals may also refrain from opening up to others out of fear of being judged or seen as an emotional burden. However, the absence of social support can further intensify this perception, leading to increased vulnerability.
Significant life changes or losses. Facing life-altering experiences such as the death of a loved one or job loss is undoubtedly painful yet inevitable. Howbeit, this becomes a contributive factor to suicidal ideations when the individual is unaware of how to process and move on from it.
It is important to note that it would be inadequate to fully assume that the presence of these experiences is a definite predictor of an individual’s vulnerability to suicidal ideations. More often than not, it involves the interaction of these factors altogether.
What can we do to help?
Be there for them. Offer them a safe space with no judgement and validate their feelings. Let them know you are here for them; a little goes a long way.
Check up on them regularly. We will never know what another person is going through. Keep tabs on your family and friends, especially if they have expressed suicidal ideations.
Encourage them to see a professional. We note that suicide, self-harm and suicidal ideations are sensitive and triggering topics, and not everyone is equipped with the necessary skills to help. Therefore, offering assistance and convincing them to see a mental health professional can be more helpful. More often than not, working with a professional is pivotal in helping individuals change their minds about ending their lives.
Who should I turn to if I am facing suicidal thoughts?
Tab on your social circle. Be it friends or family members, finding a safe person who can hear you out and be temporarily accountable for your whereabouts to ensure your safety is essential.
Seeking professional help. Therapists are trained to address suicidal ideations and provide appropriate treatment.
Crisis helplines. As not all mental health clinics operate round-the-clock, and one’s social support may not always be readily available 24/7, hotlines like suicide prevention helplines can be extremely helpful for immediate support.
Suicidal ideation is a severe and complex issue. It requires our collective effort to recognise and support those who need us. Check on your closest ones, and keep checking up on them. You never know what one is feeling or going through. Remember that you are not alone. You do not have to battle it alone. We are here whenever you need us, reach out now.