Understanding the Factors That Contribute to Suicidal Behaviour
- Amanda Moses Psychology
- May 12
- 5 min read
Suicidal behaviour is a complex and sensitive topic that affects individuals, families, and communities. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to suicidal behaviour can help pave the way for effective prevention strategies. This blog aims to shed light on the various elements that affect suicidal thoughts and actions, offering insights that could possibly save lives.
The Nature of Suicidal Behaviour
Suicidal behavior encompasses a range of actions, including suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and completed suicides. It is essential to recognise that suicidal thoughts do not always lead directly to attempts; moreover, individuals who exhibit suicidal behaviour come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 720,000 people die due to suicide every year, making it a significant public health issue (WHO, 2025).
Understanding the nature of suicidal behaviour requires us to delve deeply into emotional, psychological, and social factors. Mental illness is often a primary driver of suicidal behaviour, with conditions like mood disorders contributing substantially. However, it’s important to remember that mental illness is not the sole cause.
Factors Influencing Suicidal Behavior
Multiple factors tend to converge in a person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts. These factors can stem from biological, psychological, and environmental sources. Here, we will explore some significant contributors:
Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia have strong correlations with suicidal behavior. For example, individuals with major depression have a higher likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Trauma and Abuse: Experiencing trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, increases the risk of suicidal behavior. Survivors of trauma may struggle with feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness—all of which can contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Substance Abuse: There is a well-documented relationship between substance abuse and increased risk of suicide. Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment, leading individuals to act on suicidal thoughts that they might not otherwise consider.
Social Isolation: Feeling disconnected from others can lead to despair. Individuals who lack a supportive network or who experience loneliness are more vulnerable to suicidal ideation.
Chronic Illness: Physical health problems can also predispose individuals to suicidal thoughts. Chronic pain or terminal illnesses can contribute to a sense of hopelessness and despair regarding life circumstances.
Neurodivergence: Autistic people and those with ADHD have substantially higher rates of suicidality than the general population. This can often be due to having higher co-morbidities with other mental health conditions, and unmet support needs.
These factors can interact in complex ways, leading to a cumulative risk for individuals. It’s essential for loved ones and community members to remain mindful of these influences, as recognising them can aid in early intervention.
What are the 5 components of suicide risk assessment?
A comprehensive suicide risk assessment is important for identifying individuals who might be in danger. There are five key components typically involved in this process:
Suicidal Ideation: This involves understanding whether the individual has thoughts about wanting to die or suicide. Questions may address the frequency and intensity of such thoughts, and whether they are 'active' or 'passive' thoughts.
Plan and Means: Assessing whether the person has developed a plan for suicide and what means they would use is critical. This step can help determine the immediacy of the threat, as well as if they have access to the means to complete suicide.
History of Attempts: A history of previous suicide attempts is one of the strongest risk factors. Understanding the context and seriousness of past incidents can provide insight into current risks.
Psychosocial Stressors: Exploring external stressors is vital. This may include recent changes in relationships, employment, or living situations which can contribute to feelings of hopelessness.
Protective Factors: Identifying factors that may deter an individual from acting on suicidal thoughts is equally important. These can be strong family ties, a sense of responsibility, or engagement in goals.
Understanding these components can assist mental health professionals and caregivers in creating personalised intervention plans tailored to individuals' specific needs.
The Role of Community and Support Systems
Communities play an essential role in addressing the issue of suicidal behaviour. Support systems can be a sanctuary for individuals experiencing emotional turmoil. Peer support groups, community mental health organisations, and crisis hotlines provide necessary avenues for help.
Encouraging open dialogue about mental health within communities can reduce stigma and foster an environment where individuals feel safe to voice their struggles. Engaging in community outreach programs focused on mental well-being can empower both victims and their loved ones.
Moreover, educating people about the signs of suicidal behaviour and the importance of acting when someone exhibits these signs can help in prevention. It is critical for neighborhoods to work together to ensure that everyone has access to mental health resources.
Finding Help: Resources and Recommendations
If you are working with clients who present with suicidal ideation. Here are some recommendations:
Engage in training: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Suicidality and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have proven to be effective treatments for suicidal ideation and distress management. These therapies can help individuals learn coping skills and address thought patterns that lead to distress.
Seek supervision: Ensure you have appropriate support in place for yourself if you are working with high-risk clients. This is important to manage your self-care, as well as ensure you are proactively managing the client's risk.
Utilise Hotlines: Ensure you and your client are aware of the relevant crisis hotlines. Emergency (000) should be the first port of call for clients who are in an emergeny. If the are having a crisis and need someone to talk to, they are able to contact helplines such as Lifeline (13 11 44). In Australia, Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support.
Create a Safety Plan: Depending on their level of risk, you should have an appropriate safety and management plan in place. Ensure you develop a plan with your client, outlining what to do in moments of crisis. This can include warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts.
If you are seeking formal, evidence-based training on managing and treating suicidal clients, look no further than: Treating the Suicidal Client: Beyond the Safety Plan. This is a 3 hour, self-paced training developed to give you the skills (and treatment plan) to work effectively with high-risk clients. If you are wanting to integrate seamless documentation into your practice, you may find my Risk Assessment and Safety Planning template helpful. This template will guide you with how to determine levels of risk, as well as how to document it.
For basic training on how to conduct a thorough Suicide Risk Assessment and create a meaningful safety plan with your clients, check out my training here.
