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What is the Connection Between Mental Illness and Suicide?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Mental illness and suicide are connected because having a mental illness makes a person more likely to experience and give in to suicidal thoughts. Often, people who are struggling with mental illness deal with feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness that make them consider suicide. In some cases, people with mental illness also become so overwhelmed with life’s challenges that they consider ending their lives. Sometimes, however, a person with a severe type of mental illness may even feel compelled to commit suicide. For example, he may hear voices or see visions that make him feel that he has to commit suicide.

Despite the fact that a connection between mental illness and suicide exists, an individual who has not been diagnosed with a mental illness may also consider suicide. For example, an individual may feel temporarily overwhelmed and consider taking his own life; some medications cause suicidal thoughts as well. It is important to note, however, that the lack of a mental health diagnosis doesn't mean a person is not mentally ill. For instance, if a person feels overwhelmed with sadness for an extended period, he may be suffering from a major depression, which is a type of mental illness. Sometimes people who are depressed do not seek help and diagnosis, but their conditions still fall in the mental illness category.

Suicidal thinking is considered depression's most serious symptom.
Suicidal thinking is considered depression's most serious symptom.

There are many types of mental illnesses that may lead a person to consider suicide. For example, a person with a multiple personality disorder or manic depressive syndrome may be more likely to consider and commit suicide than a person without such a disorder. Schizophrenia may also increase a person's likelihood of considering suicide. A connection between mental illness and suicide may even exist with mental health issues that seem less likely to contribute to suicide rates. For instance, anorexia, bulimia, and addiction disorders may make a person more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.

Someone with multiple personalities might be more likely to consider suicide.
Someone with multiple personalities might be more likely to consider suicide.

It is also important to note that the connection between mental illness and suicide may make a person not only more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, but also more likely to act on them. A person who is not mentally ill but has suicidal thoughts may be more likely to dismiss them or seek help from a professional counselor for dealing with his troubles. An individual who is dealing with mental illness, on the other hand, may not realize his thoughts are abnormal or may feel too burdened by them to seek help.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Scrbblchick

No, one doesn't need to have a mental illness to be suicidal by any means, but the sad truth is that so many people who have severe, untreated mental illness -- especially adults -- are much more likely to commit suicide than those who are receiving treatment.

For some people, the symptoms simply become too overwhelming and death seems like the only way for the person to experience any kind of relief from the mental illness. It can also be difficult to get a mentally ill person to take their medications, which makes the problem worse. It's a very sad situation.

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    • Suicidal thinking is considered depression's most serious symptom.
      By: Artem Furman
      Suicidal thinking is considered depression's most serious symptom.
    • Someone with multiple personalities might be more likely to consider suicide.
      By: Lucian Milasan
      Someone with multiple personalities might be more likely to consider suicide.
    • Suicide is more common among people who have mental illnesses than those who do not.
      By: Kzenon
      Suicide is more common among people who have mental illnesses than those who do not.
    • Individuals who are envisioning or threatening suicide are often put on suicide watch.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Individuals who are envisioning or threatening suicide are often put on suicide watch.
    • People with a mental illness may find themselves more easily overwhelmed.
      By: kmiragaya
      People with a mental illness may find themselves more easily overwhelmed.