Symptoms & Signs
Suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts are part of many mental illnesses, including depression, schizophrenia, drug or alcohol abuse, and heredity. In otherwise healthy people such thoughts are often brought about by sudden, unexpected change in life circumstances. Risk factors for thoughts of suicide can vary with age, gender and ethnic group, and these risk factors often occur in combination. Other risk factors for suicidal tendency include prior suicide attempt's, family history of mental disorder or substance abuse, family history of suicide, family violence, physical or sexual abuse, keeping firearms in the home, incarceration, and exposure to the suicidal behavior of others. Medical help or counseling is always helpful in combating stress, depression and related suicidal thoughts.