We all have rainy days, time when the problems of this world penetrate deep into the soul. Anxiety and depression become all-consuming and blue is the mood. However, for some people, these downs are not a phase, but a perpetual phase. In extreme cases, living becomes a burden for people, who then struggle to end life by committing suicide.
Whereas there is no set criteria for telling who is struggling with suicide ideation, some people are predisposed towards this condition.
Postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts
Becoming a mother is not easy. The 9 arduous months of pregnancy and the excruciating pregnancy notwithstanding, life after pregnancy is hard. The first big hurdle is the postpartum depression. For some, the maternal instinct is the fuel that keeps them alive, for others, motherhood is the life-extinguisher.
It is thus very vital for women to choose an OB/GYN with much deliberation. A credible doctor like Dr. Misbah Malik not only helps with the obvious pregnancy related matters, but also provides their patients information with what possible problems can occur during and in the aftermath of pregnancy.
Women suffering from this depression not only feel misconnected and isolated, they also experience frequent mood swings. They have cognitive problems as well. Moreover, it is very hard for them to connect with their baby. They are not very well attuned to the baby’s signals.
Such mothers also feel that their infant would be in fact better off without them. They also suffer from self-esteem issues, and do not believe themselves to be good mothers. When this depression escalates, it reaches the point where they want to end their lives.
Depression and suicidal thoughts
Depression is a mental illness that is caused due to biological, psychological and social factors. In this condition, people are perpetually unhappy, lack motivation or energy, are not productive, are hopeless, suffer from lack of self-worth. Depressed people also are unable to perform the daily activities.
An extremely powerful disorder, it disrupts all aspects of life; from sleep to sex, from eating to interacting with others, all things are disturbed.
Moreover, people suffering from depression are more prone to having suicidal thoughts, even if they are getting treatment for it. Moreover, the greater the depression is, more likely are people to commit suicide. According to U.S department of Health, 60% of the people who kill themselves suffer from mood disorders.
Trauma and suicidal thoughts
Childhood trauma has been shown to increase the risk of suicide ideation. These thoughts are prevalent especially in children who are sexually abused. Those who undergo physical abuse also have some degree of vulnerability to this phenomenon.
Children are innocent and have yet to develop the skills to take on the bitter world. To have the burden of abuse can then become too much for them to take.
Similarly, patients of Posttraumatic stress disorder are also very likely to commit suicide, as they see ending their life as an emancipatory act. Moreover, PTSD is often accompanied by depression, anxiety, substance abuse, all the factors that compound suicide ideation.
Physical ailments and suicidal thoughts
Some physical ailments can also cause misery that manifests into suicidal ideation. One of the major ailments that makes people prone to suicidal thoughts are the pulmonary diseases.
These can be extremely painful and yet are not terminal per se. Patient has little hope in many pulmonary problems, and they see their life in never-ending pain. The prospect of killing themselves and getting the release from their disease becomes a motivating factor in committing suicide.
Similarly, people who are undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease are also amongst those who are likely to commit suicide as the pain in this disease is extreme as well. It also is rather incapacitating. People hence want to end their life to end the disease.
Overcoming suicidal thoughts
People struggling with suicidal thoughts need urgent help. There are many helplines available that can be contacted in case you or your loved one is struggling with this problem.
It is very important to realize that it is possible to get treatment and heal when accosted with the prospect of ending your life. One treatment option available for overcoming suicide ideation is therapy.
A psychologist can help people cope with and battle these thoughts. Similarly, a psychiatrist like Dr. Aneel Shafi can also be contacted. Psychiatrists can prescribe you drugs to get better and can devise a treatment plan according to the patient diagnosis.
For all people struggling in life, remember, you are important and you are worthy of the treatment that will help you get better!
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