Although it is generally true that there are more reported instances of reactive depression in the winter, specifically around Christmas, there also tends to be more visible supports available in the community at that time. In the depths of a depression, typically missing is the energy to act on suicidal ideation. Often people will bargain with themselves at this time, believing things will improve. In the spring, their energy levels increase while they still have all the feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. Therefore, more attempts occur in the spring.
For the most part you cannot plant the idea of suicide. It is not as if you would ask the person about suicide and they would respond no, but now that you mention it….
However, be cautious when you know or suspect that the person
has a condition that would make them more susceptible, have a low awareness of consequences, or is highly impulsive
People who talk or express about suicide may be reaching out for help or support. A significant number of people thinking about suicide are experiencing hopelessness or other mental health problems and may feel that there is no other option.
Men die by suicide about three times as often as women. The primary reasons for this include that men more often choose more lethal means than women do. There is some suggestion as well that this may be linked to lower help seeking behavior in men.
It takes time to go into a depression and it takes time to come out of one. If there is a very sudden and dramatic change, pay attention to this. This improvement could mean that they have made the decision. Survivors often mention a seeming improvement where the person was happier than they had seen them in a long while.
Suicide is not about death, it is about pain. This takes the judgment out of it: It is not about whether or not it is enough or it makes sense – it is simply about stopping pain.
Suicide is not chosen; it happens when pain exceeds resources
for coping with pain.
– David Conroy
It is difficult to obtain accurate statistics on the rates of LGBTQ2S+ suicide attempts because now all who attempt suicide identify their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Estimates that LGBTQ2S+ youth are about four times more likely to attempt suicide than other youth are common, and this rate can go up depending on age, acceptance by family and other considerations.
You do not need a whole bunch of professional qualifications to assist someone in an emotional crisis. But regardless of your own professional background and qualifications, you should conduct yourself professionally.
Suicidal thoughts indicates deep unhappiness but not necessarily mental illnesses. Many people living with mental illnesses are not affected by suicidal thoughts or behaviors and not all people who die by suicide have a mental illness.
People who are thinking about suicide do not want to die. They are searching for a way to make their pain end. Their pain is so intense they feel helpless and hopeless.
Suicidal thoughts are not a choice. The individual is not simply thinking of themselves but rather are unable to see other options or supports.