What is a suicidal crisis?
A suicidal crisis is a time of intense distress when a person can no longer see a way out from their suffering. It is not a sign of weakness: it is often the result of things getting on top of them, exhaustion or an accumulation of difficulties.
Why does a crisis arise?
A crisis may be triggered by:
- a particular event (a death or a break-up),
- persistent stress (isolation, overwork, conflicts),
- a sequence of different challenges.
Sometimes, what appears insignificant or harmless to others becomes the tipping point for the person concerned.
How does a suicidal crisis develop?
The crisis often develops in stages:
The thoughts cross the person's mind but do not last
Also referred to as suicidal flash-forwards.
The thoughts become more established and then dominant
A scenario is planned and ways and means are sought/researched
The person may put their plans into action, sometimes after a final trigger.
These thoughts are more common than imagined, but they are not impossible to resist: they can pass, especially if one finds appropriate support.