Suicidal tendencies is a term that indicates the propensity of an individual to experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide.
According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-34, and the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.
Although there are usually warning signs that someone has suicidal tendencies, they can be easy to miss by friends and family. Suicide rates among young people are increasing, indicating the need to have honest conversations about it to gain a better understanding of the warning signs, causes, and risk factors.
What are the warning signs of suicidal tendencies?
Warning signs to look for that may indicate suicidal tendencies include:
- Talking about self-harm or suicide, wanting to die or feeling stuck
- Talking about being a burden to others or feeling trapped
- Feeling hopeless or lack of direction
- Making preparations and gaining access to dangerous weapons
- Isolating from friends and family, as well as withdrawing from activities
- Substance abuse
- Leaving a voicemail or paying a visit to say goodbye
- Donating personal belongings
- Extreme mood swings
- Irritation, agitation or wrath
- Sudden improvement in mood symptoms
Some people may exhibit multiple warning signs, whereas others may be better at hiding their thoughts and feelings. When a painful incident, loss, or other potential triggering factor is involved, behavior and mood changes are of special concern.
What triggers suicidal tendencies?
Suicidal thoughts might be triggered by various factors such as:
- Mood disorders: Chemical imbalances in the brain are the root of many mood disorders, including depression. These imbalances, if left untreated, can lead to suicidal ideation.
- Grief and loss: When a person lacks the emotional capacity to cope with the death of a loved one, a traumatic incident, major financial difficulties, or the end of a relationship, the pain can be overpowering and lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Certain medications: Some medications have been linked to suicide ideation, including anti-acne medications such as isotretinoin.
What factors can increase the risk of suicide?
Many people may be prone to suicidal tendencies due to a combination of risk factors, which may include:
- Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
- Suicide attempts in the past
- Suicide history in the family
- Previous sexual or physical abuse
- Problems with substance abuse
- Chronic pain conditions
- Readily available suicide methods (firearms, potentially lethal medication,, etc.)
- Prejudice, discrimination, harassment, bullying, or violence
- Limited access to mental health services
When should you see a doctor for suicidal tendencies?
If you or someone you know has signs of suicidal tendencies, contact a local suicide prevention hotline or your mental health specialist immediately. Calls to the Lifeline Center are usually free, private, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Seeing a doctor or mental health expert can be the first step towards getting better. Talking to a medical professional or counselor can help you better understand your problems and prescribe medications or therapy depending on your symptoms.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33351435/
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0315/p1500.html
Top What Is Meant by Suicidal Tendencies Related Articles
clozapine
Clozapine is a second generation atypical antipsychotic medication used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Clozapine is associated with heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) and inflammation (myocarditis). Common side effects of clozapine include sedation, drowsiness (somnolence), dizziness, vertigo, tremor, headache, visual disturbances, insomnia, EEG pattern changes, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), fainting (syncope), excessive salivation (hypersalivation), and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Depression and Suicide
Depression is a psychiatric illness that affects one in six people in the United States. Nearly two-thirds of people with depression do not realize that they have a treatable illness and do not seek treatment. Depression could happen when there is a decrease in the functional balance of the brain chemicals e.g., serotonin and norepinephrine.
Learn to Spot Depression: Symptoms, Warning Signs, Medication
Know when you or someone else is depressed. Get information on depression symptoms, signs, tests, and treatments for many types of depression chronic depression and postpartum depression.
Depression Quiz
Many people do not recognize the symptoms and warning signs of depression and depressive disorders in children and adults. With proper diagnosis, treatments and medications are available. Take this quiz to learn more about recovery from depression.
How Grief Can Affect Your Health
Grief is a natural part of life, but it can cause some health issues, at least for a while. Find out how grief can affect your body and what you can do about it.How to Recognize Symptoms of Suicidal Behavior
People who contemplate suicide see it as a solution to run away from the problems that seem never-ending to them. If they get help in the form of counseling and emotional support at an earlier stage, they can be saved. Some of their words and actions can give you clues if they are at risk of hurting themselves.levetiracetam antiepileptic
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic drug used to treat seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. Common side effects of levetiracetam include headache, increased blood pressure, drowsiness (somnolence), fatigue, weakness (asthenia), dizziness, infection, loss of appetite (anorexia), inflammation of nose and throat (nasopharyngitis), cough, hostility, nervousness, anxiety, and depression. Consult your doctor before taking levetiracetam if pregnant or breastfeeding.Medicines that Cause Depression
Self-Injury and Cutting
Self-injury and cutting are deliberate acts of harming the body due to various reasons. It may not be limited to suicidal attempts in most cases. It is done to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration.
Suicide
Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year, and 10 million to 20 million attempt suicide annually.
Depression Therapy Myths
False ideas scare many depression suffers away from therapy and the quick relief and help these pros can provide. Let our experts help you understand the truth about therapy.
What Age Group Is the Most Suicidal?
The highest suicide rates are seen among teenagers and young adults between the ages of 10 to 35 years old.
Mental Health: Where to Get Mental Health Help
When you think of mental health, lying on a couch in a therapist’s office may come to mind. But there are other options, and some are low-cost or even free. Here’s what you need to know.