Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 9/30/2024

What Are the Causes of Suicidal Thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts can be caused by a variety of mental health conditions like that includes grief, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders.

answer background

Explanation

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.

(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.

Share this page

smily Shiba-inu peeking down

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Feelings of sadness for no reason

Ask a Doctor

Shiba

Discuss it further with a doctor

Chat with one of our doctors to get clarity on your results and decide on your next steps.


Dr. Kenji Taylor

Family Medicine, Primary Care Roots Community Health Center, Hippo Education, Kameda Medical Center

Kenji Taylor, MD

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.