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Published on: 7/15/2026
What are the causes of suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts can stem from several mental health conditions, including grief, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders. Identifying the underlying cause is a critical first step toward getting the right support and treatment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate help by calling or texting 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). To better understand what may be contributing to how you're feeling and to explore your next steps with clarity, consider taking a free, instant, online symptom check. It takes just a few minutes, is completely confidential, and can help guide you toward the appropriate care based on your unique symptoms.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
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When feeling intense feelings of "I want to die," "I want to disappear," or "I am tired of living" arise and persist, the following mental health disorders are considered.
Depression
People with depression often feel sad, have low energy, significantly increased or decreased appetite, lack of motivation and even suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of deep depression with periods of mood elevation (mania, hypomania).
Schizophrenia
People with schizophrenia may hear or see things that do not exist. They may also have intense feelings of paranoia that can lead to thoughts of self-harm.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is characterized by memories of traumatic events that repeatedly resurface leading to a decrease in motivation, avoidance behaviors, and poor sleep that can then lead to suicidal thoughts.
Use of substances such as alcohol and cannabis
Relying on substances such as alcohol to alleviate distress can lead to symptoms such as impulsive thoughts of wanting to die or self-harm due to the effects of the substance.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your feelings and help guide your next steps in seeking appropriate care.
(References)
Klonsky ED, May AM, Saffer BY. Suicide, Suicide Attempts, and Suicidal Ideation. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2016;12:307-30. doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093204. Epub 2016 Jan 11. PMID: 26772209.
Liu RT, Bettis AH, Burke TA. Characterizing the phenomenology of passive suicidal ideation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, correlates, and comparisons with active suicidal ideation. Psychol Med. 2020 Feb;50(3):367-383. doi: 10.1017/S003329171900391X. Epub 2020 Jan 7. PMID: 31907085; PMCID: PMC7024002.
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