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What Triggers Suicidal Thoughts?

The experience of contemplating suicide is universal, transcending age, gender, and background.

If you're grappling with such thoughts, you might have been feeling increasingly despondent and insignificant for a while. The root cause may be elusive, but it's often a mix of factors.

Common Reasons Behind Suicidal Ideation

Various life challenges can lead to suicidal thoughts, such as :

More Reasons Include
  • Financial Difficulties
  • Major life transitions, like job loss or retirement
  • Certain medications, such as some antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilisers
  • Social isolation
  • Homelessness or housing issues
  • Feelings of inadequacy or failure
  • Pregnancy-related emotional struggles
  • Discrimination or bias based on race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation
  • Confusion about sexual or gender identity
  • Incarceration
  • Societal or cultural pressures, like arranged marriages
  • Unmet societal expectations
  • Other traumatic experiences

Can Medication Induce Suicidal Thoughts?

Certain medications, like antidepressants, can trigger suicidal thoughts in some individuals. This is particularly true for SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). However, all antidepressants carry this risk.

Research indicates that individuals under 25 are more susceptible to experiencing suicidal thoughts when on these medications.

Antipsychotics and mood stabilisers can also induce such feelings.

If you notice an increase in suicidal thoughts while on psychiatric medication, consult your GP immediately.

Learn More About Medication