There is no single cause of suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts generally arise when a combination of different problems occur, making life unbearable. Here are a few examples:

• The break-up of a relationship.
• Losing a job.
• A death.
• A physical illness.
• Intimidation, violence or harassment.
• Financial difficulties or problems in a relationship.

In addition, certain risk factors may increase the tendency towards suicidal thoughts:

• Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or alcohol or drug addiction.
• A lack of social support.
• A history of suicide in the family or in one's personal life.
• Having undergone a traumatic experience in the past or present, such as violence, abuse, displacement or a natural disaster.
• Easy access to lethal means (weapons, medication).

These factors are specific to each individual, and the combination between them varies from one person to another. Each person experiences his or her distress differently and there is no typical profile of a suicidal person.

Having suicidal ideas does not mean that a person wants to die

Suicide is not inevitable. These thoughts are above all a cry of distress intended to put an end to the suffering, rather than a genuine desire to die.