Suicidal thoughts do not just appear in a person’s mind. It may seem that someone has no reason to feel suicidal, but depression is a very real illness, regardless of circumstance. For others, there are certain factors that contribute to an increased risk of suicide.
Certain groups of people, such as middle-aged men, youth in child welfare settings such as foster care or the juvenile justice system, veterans, and American Indians/Alaska Natives, for instance, experience a higher rate of suicide and depression. However, anyone can fall victim to depression, whether they belong to a specific ethnic or demographic at-risk population or not. Here are a few underlying factors that lead to a heightened risk of suicide.
Belonging to the LGBTQA Community
People in the LGBTQA community experience a much higher rate of suicide than other groups. Social rejection as a result of their identity along with the common problems of homelessness and addiction are all reasons LGBTQA people become depressed and suicidal.
Suffering from Addiction
People who struggle with addiction are also at a high risk for suicide. Most addicts are self-medicating with a substance, leading them to abuse that substance. Substance abuse causes a person’s inhibitions to lower, making it easier for a depressed person to commit suicide. While sober, they may have that part of their mind telling them not to do it. When they use a substance, on the other hand, that same part of the mind becomes muddled and taking action becomes far less difficult.
A Physical Illness or Chronic Pain
Chronic pain or serious illness can lead a person to feel hopeless. They picture the rest of their lives suffering from this illness and pain and lose the will to live. They begin to think the only way to escape their suffering or illness is to end their lives.
Mental Illness Other Than Depression
Mental illness can have an effect similar to physical illness. The sufferer begins to think that they will never be able to reclaim their life, and the only way out is suicide. Furthermore, depression is a very common side effect of a number of mental illnesses, even if they know their illness is manageable.
Family History of Suicide and Depression
Family history has a huge impact on the likelihood of a person developing a mental illness. If depression runs in the family, it is prudent to take preventative measures. A suicide in the family, on the other hand, can also have a substantial impact on the remaining family members. When a person loses someone close to them to suicide, they also become more likely to attempt suicide. Grief counseling is important for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
A Note on Suicidal Tendencies and the Brain
It’s important to also consider that research has shown there seems to be a significant difference in the brains of those with suicidal tendencies. One study compared men with depression who had attempted suicide and men with depression who hadn’t. They found that those who had previously made an attempt reacted more strongly to images of angry faces, even if they were no longer depressed or suicidal. They also found more activity in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex in the previously suicidal men, and hypothesized it may point to deeper feelings of rejection. There is much research yet to be done, but the neurological aspects of suicide and depression remain an important factor.
If you or a loved one has considered or attempted suicide, it is likely that the underlying issues are treatable. Counseling for people who struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts is hugely beneficial, regardless of the risk factors that apply to them.
LGBTQA people can benefit from having a calm, reliable person to open up to and people who struggle with addiction can resolve their depression by treating their addiction with group therapy. Though physical illness and chronic pain cannot be cured by counseling, a therapist can help you learn to cope with your ailments in a positive way, improving your quality of life and battling any resulting depression.
Mental illnesses should also be treated by a therapist. With treatment for the main problem, depression and suicidal thoughts may fade. Lastly, if you have a family history of these issues, ensuring you know how to cope is the best way to be sure you avoid the problem altogether. No matter the reason for your depression, seek out a counselor. They can help.
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