Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. However, it doesn’t impact everyone in the same way. Some people deal with high-functioning depression, allowing them to live relatively normal lives on the surface.
Others dealing with severe depression might have a hard time completing basic tasks each day, or even getting out of bed in the morning.
Beyond that, those with severe depression can sometimes struggle with thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Obviously, those thoughts are nothing to take lightly. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal depression, it’s essential to take action immediately.
If you know that no one is in immediate danger or a threat to themselves, consider learning what contributes to suicidal depression. The more you educate yourself on the causes, the easier it might be to spot warning signs in someone you love—or in yourself.
Tripping Over Triggers
If you’re feeling suicidal, chances are something has triggered those thoughts. Maybe you regularly deal with depression, but the thoughts of self-harm are new and invasive.
Things like bullying, prejudice or stigma, or even someone coming against your sexual identity, might make you feel like taking your own life. The sudden loss of something important to you can also serve as a trigger. Maybe you lost your job, ended a relationship, or you’re mourning the death of a loved one. When we experience loss, it’s not always easy to see passed the grief.
Societal expectations can also play a role. Sometimes, it’s the people who appear to have it “all together” that end up struggling with suicidal thoughts. You might be feeling pressure from your family to get married or go to college. Maybe there’s a lot of weight on your shoulders at work, or you’re expected to be the sole breadwinner for your family and you’re having a hard time making ends meet.
Facing your trigger isn’t always easy. But, it’s a necessary step if it’s the thing causing you to think about harming yourself.
Self-Doubt
Sometimes, the feelings that contribute to your depression can become so severe that they start to take over everything. They might make you feel like you’re worthless, or that the world would be better off without you.
Perhaps you’ve been struggling for a while with feelings of inadequacy or failure. You might be doubting your sexual identity, or worrying about the health of your marriage. These are situations that typically don’t happen overnight. Rather, they fester over time. The more you think about them and start to blame yourself, the easier it is for those negative thoughts to start to control the narrative.
Past Trauma or Abuse
If you were physically, sexually, or emotionally abused at any point in life, it can have long-term negative effects.
Many people who have dealt with childhood trauma repress those experiences, only to have them come forward later in life. Even those who have been in violent relationships or have struggled with emotional abuse might think they’re able to “forget” those issues.
But emotions always demand to be felt at some point. It’s not uncommon for trauma survivors to struggle with feelings of guilt and shame. That can quickly turn into self-loathing or even self-hatred.
What Can You Do?
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal depression, don’t wait to get help. If anyone is in immediate danger, contact the 998 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re looking for long-term health and support to manage your depression and combat thoughts of self-harm, don’t hesitate to reach out and Contact Us as soon as possible. It does get better.