Suicidal thoughts happen when you think about intentionally causing your own death or are putting a plan in place to do so. Some people with suicidal ideation have fleeting thoughts of suicide, while others create detailed plans. In any case, suicidal thoughts are a sign of a deeper issue that must be addressed. If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, they can come with poor mental or physical wellness. You should watch for:
These are far from the only other symptoms that can come with suicidal thoughts or ideation. Still, generally, it’s important to recognize behavior or personality changes in yourself or others and seek help if you find yourself thinking of suicide.
Suicidal thoughts are most often a symptom of depression, or major depressive disorder. However, depression is far from the only cause of suicidal thoughts. Other conditions can cause them also, as well as various life circumstances. You may be at risk of having suicidal thoughts if you:
Even if you don’t have depression, other health conditions can come with suicidal thoughts. They include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, traumatic brain injuries, and certain chronic diseases with widespread and long-term effects.