Why is it a big deal if someone just thinks about?

Question

What is it a big deal if someone just has suidcidal thoughts, but couldn't go through with killing themselves? Do you think if someone just has suidcidal thoughts they are mentally ill, even if they wouldn't killed themselves?

Answer 1

Hi Becca,

Like others have said, I think everyone at some point in their lives has thought of suicide. If you can't figure out a solution to your problem and you think things are hopeless, death might seem like the only answer you've got left in order to end your constant pain or depression.

(I know I have personally had long periods of time where I thought about this. I feel very sane and do not think I ever would "do it" because I am very aware of what how final death is and what I'd be doing; but it's still extremely painful to live in that stage of just wanting to die and get things over with.)

Anyway, I would not really worry about whether it's "bad to just think about suicide." What I'd worry about is this:

1. If you constantly entertain an idea, sometimes it can become obsessive. The more you do it or think about it in your head, the easier it becomes to do in real life. So people who think a great deal about suicide, how they might do it, what would happen, etc., are more prone to carrying through with it because they've *practiced* it mentally.

2. Thoughts of suicide usually mean that there's a big problem in one's life (whether it's a particular circumstance or else just a large feeling of depression / boredom / pointlessness), and the problem is not getting addressed. So not only are you tempted to kill yourself, but your life also is probably not productive and enjoyable. This would be another reason to seek help, rather than think about suicide -- so that your life can be productive and enjoyable.

[To address your other part to the question more directly, I don't think someone is necessarily mentally ill for wanting to kill themselves. Sometimes the sanest people, the ones who desperately want to find meaning in life and can't "make up" a meaning just to make themselves feel better, go through suicidal phases. It's actually a "sane" thought... just not a *healthy* one in terms of living a fruitful and productive and happy life.]

Answer 2

I don't think flag burning is a big deal. It is somewhat insulting yes.. but no one has the right to tell someone else not to do it. Also... Why is all these ultra-nationalist idiots always get mad when someone burns a f*cking flag or sits during the national anthem but turn a blind I to all the bullsh*t this country pulls around the world and within it's own borders?... Maybe the guy who burns a flag is doing in order to point people's attention to things that should be corrected. As hard as it maybe for these media cradled morons to believe, some people wake up in morning and celebrate being human and being alive, not being american... and when you think like that you appreciate ALL of humanity for what it is and not for people's nationality..... so if your government abuses it's own people or foreigners and you don't like it, then yes... burn the flag To everyone who mentioned soldiers who died for our freedom. I really do feel for the soldiers who have given their lives thinking they were defending the U.S. , but their deaths aren't a reason for me to pretend that the U.S. is a utopia with a perfect government. It's actually the opposite... when people DIED for something to be a certain way and future generations of politians trample their efforts, then you let be known in ANY way possible.

Answer 3

Becca, If you are thinking about it then you could possibly attempt it someday. I never thought about it and tried it 3 times, I am a very happy person and noone ever thought I would do it, I was the last person people would've expected to attempt suicide. This can be a scary world and things change, people lead others down the wrong path. I never let anyone else control my life noone makes my decisions, I am in control of myself. I had disappointed myself and was very upset at myself and wanted to die thats why i did it. nobody will ever understand it, but I do. I changed i know I have to forgive myself and realize I am alowed to make mistakes. That is part of the reason why I come on this site to try to help people and offer my advise from an open mind and share my feelings and my experiences with people to hopefully help others to not make the same mistakes. We are human and we do make mistakes and we can learn from them. If your are not happy with something in your life then make a change. Please don't even think that way, life is what you make it and I am enjoying my life so much now. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Tough question, but I think all of us at one time or another have thought and felt the same way. Now the causes, from what I understand, can be quite different. I've known some people that had similar problems due to an unavoidable chemical imbalance, where I also had a friend who didn't want to face his life with divorced and remarried parents in addition to choosing a post-high school graduation direction of life. The chaos drive him nutty.

The reason it is a big deal is that life is precious, and tossing it away is no good. There are millions of people in this world that would do anything to have your problems to be able to live your life, whatever it may be.

Answer 5

I don't think it is uncommon for people at some time in their life to have thoughts about sucide, but I would suggest anyone who has frequent or prolong thoughts about ending their life seek professional help

Answer 6

I think everyone in life has sometimes where they think that they are better off dead, and that's normal but if you have persistent suicidal thoughts, get help because you don't want to ever get weak and act upon these thoughts.
Good luck in life

Answer 7

No, and it's not a big deal at all. It's incredibly common. It's only when the person is serious that it becomes a problem.

Answer 8

you dont have to be mentally ill..bills, marriage troubles, total stress, feelings of being alone, unloved. these are a few things that tend to make a person just want to give up....