Why Are People Suicidal? How Can I tell If Someone I Suicidal?

People who are suicidal are looking for a solution to the pain that they’re experiencing. But that doesn’t mean that they necessarily want to stop living.

Someone may consider, or act on thoughts of suicide, when they have lost all hope. These thoughts or actions should always be taken seriously. Help is always available.

Suicide is permanent. While someone may be looking for a way out or a solution to the pain they’re experiencing, taking their own life is not the answer. If you are having thoughts about suicide right now, it’s important to know that help is available. You can reach a Kids Help Phone counsellor at 1-800-668-6868 or chat with us online.

Why are people suicidal?

People who are suicidal can suffer for a long time and may enter a very dark period of depression or sadness. During this time, they may try to solve their problems in other ways, but nothing seems to work. Some people turn to drugs and alcohol, but this can make things worse.

How can I tell if someone is suicidal?

If someone is thinking of suicide, they may shut themselves off from the rest of the world. They may find it hard to cope with everyday life and withdraw from the people who care about them. They may seem angry or tired all of the time or stop taking care of themselves. They may also obsess over dying or act like they don’t care about what happens to them. They may say things such as:

• “No one cares about me.”
• “It’s just not worth it anymore.”
• “The world would be better off without me.”
• “I have no hope.”
• “I can’t take it anymore.”

Someone who talks about ending their life may not necessarily mean they want to die, but it is a major warning sign. It’s very important to get help when someone starts talking about suicide. You can always call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.

I’m feeling overwhelmed

Life doesn’t always go the way you may expect it to. It’s common to feel down from time to time. School stress, work, dealing with bullying, a breakup, loss of a friendship and more can feel overwhelming. It’s important to try finding positive coping strategies for when you get stressed out. For example, you can try talking to a safe adult or doing something that you enjoy such as sports, music or journaling.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, you can always call a Kids Help Phone counsellor at 1-800-668-6868.

I’m feeling low

Situations such as a breakup or the death of someone close to you can throw you off track. Sadness may take over for days or weeks. But over time, people often start to feel better. Sometimes, people who have suicidal thoughts experience depression, which makes it very hard to cope with life. If you need someone to talk to, you can always call a Kids Help Phone counsellor at 1-800-668-6868.

I’m feeling suicidal

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is hope and help available. Here’s what you can do:

• Reach out: you may feel alone, but someone is always available to listen. Try talking to someone you trust. It can be anyone — a friend, parent/caregiver, teacher, counsellor or neighbour. You can always speak to a Kids Help Phone counsellor at 1-800-668-6868.
• Rethink: there is no problem in the world that is worth your life. You can get help, no matter what you’re going through.
• Remember that you count: if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s very hard to believe that you matter, but you do. You have a lot to live for.