Suicidal thoughts are pretty universal and commonly experienced by people undergoing severe stress. Suicidal ideations usually occur when a person feels that they are no longer able to cope, especially with an overwhelming situation. As these situations and thoughts are temporary, some do not carry them through, while others may be at risk of attempting or committing suicide. Since the suicide rate is increasing in today’s world, it becomes essential to identify the risk factors that are responsible for such behavior and are given below:

1. Many students tend to set high standards for themselves; when they are unable to achieve those, they feel like failures.

2. In teenage or early adulthood, academic pressure, workplace stress, social pressures, relationship concerns, and the lack of support systems are some of the reasons for suicidal ideation.

3. Parents’ high expectations also impact the child’s psyche and may lead to emotional instability. Parents tend to place greater emphasis on marks, which soon start to define the child’s self-worth.

4. Children tend to take extreme steps because of stress, fear of being scolded by parents, or unhealthy parenting style. Later, stress grows into frustration, and in extreme conditions, it can even turn into depression.

5. The rise in suicide rate is due to urbanization and the disintegration of the traditional extensive family support system. As Indians become more progressive, their conservative households become less supportive of their choices on financial independence, marriage, premarital sex, rehabilitation, and taking care of the elderly.

6. A history of mental illness, substance abuse, and violence harms the individual’s life and puts them at risk of suicidal tendencies. The individual may be disposed to it directly or indirectly.

7. Individuals with a history of traumatic events where the individual has been emotionally, physically, sexually abused, or even bullied during childhood may develop low self-esteem, resulting in feelings of worthlessness.

8. Breakup, infidelity, or death of a loved one can also create a negative perception of life, causing the very feelings and thoughts of ending one’s life.

9. Deprived of family support, financially as well as emotionally; death of a parent or adverse parent interaction also has a toll towards feeling empty or isolated.

10. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially when the individual is prone to devastating thoughts and feelings, can increase the risk involved.1

11. Suicidal ideation is a common symptom in many psychiatric disorders and mental health issues like Depression, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, etc.

12. Sometimes people get associated with peers having suicidal ideations, thus, identifying with them can push them at the risk of such behaviour.

13. Overwhelming situations like unemployment, financial losses, or debt can also cause an inability to cope with life stressors and negatively impact an individual’s thought process.

Dr. Nisha Khanna, as a Psychologist/Counsellor, proffers online, telephonically, and face-to-face Counselling Services. If you live in Delhi, India, or any other part of the World, you can approach us through any of these mediums. For further details, visit Bye Tense, or call us at +91-9312730331