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Who is at risk? Understanding the risk factors for suicidal thoughts can help you better understand yourself and others.
Suicidal ideation, or thinking about committing suicide, is not a stand-alone diagnosis but is a symptom of many psychological disorders. According to the study, about 8.3 million adults in the United States reported suicidal thoughts, including more serious suicide plans, from 2008 to 2009. Suicidal ideation ranges from fleeting thoughts to detailed plans, making understanding risk factors for suicidal ideation a focus of professional and societal attention.
According to ICD-11, suicidal ideation is "thoughts or ideas about the possibility of ending one's life that range from thoughts that one might be better off to the formation of a detailed plan."
Among adolescents, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts is also significant. Many mental health researchers point out that the risk of suicidal thoughts needs to be taken seriously, regardless of whether there is a diagnosis. Therefore, early identification and intervention are particularly important and can effectively reduce the incidence of suicidal behavior.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts
Mental illnessSuicidal thoughts are associated with a variety of mental illnesses, especially major depression, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder. Studies have found that 73% of patients with borderline personality disorder have attempted suicide. Other risk factors include chronic illness, prolonged stress, and family history.
Many people with mental illness are more likely to have suicidal thoughts when faced with major life events.
Drug side effects
Although the use of antidepressants can alleviate depressive symptoms, they may also bring about the side effect of suicidal thoughts. Certain medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been associated with suicidal thoughts. Therefore, clinicians need to carefully assess the risk to their patients when prescribing these drugs.
Life Events
Major life events, such as job loss, the death of a loved one, or the breakup of a relationship, can often trigger suicidal thoughts. Studies show that adolescents who experience domestic violence or physical abuse have a significantly increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.
Family History and Relationships
If there is a history of mental illness in the family, children are at a relatively high risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts. The close relationship between parents and children, especially the parents' acceptance of their children's expression of sexual orientation, can significantly affect the children's mental health. Studies have shown that when teenagers have a good relationship with their parents, they are less likely to have suicidal thoughts.
Psychological research emphasizes that the quality of the relationship between parents and children is extremely critical to the impact of adolescent suicidal thoughts.
Prevention and Intervention
Early identification and treatment are considered the best ways to prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. When mental health issues are detected and treated promptly, the risk of suicide can be significantly reduced. However, many people who commit suicide do not seek professional help before they die.
91% of suicide victims had a mental illness, but only 35% had received treatment.
Increasing access to psychotherapy and raising awareness of mental health issues are potential strategies to improve treatment seeking. In addition, providing psychological support through the Internet is also believed to be more effective in helping people facing suicidal thoughts.
ConclusionUnderstanding suicidal thoughts and their risk factors is not only about helping those in crisis, but also about raising awareness and attention to mental health in society as a whole. Do we have enough recognition ability to detect crises in those around us?
