Suicidal Crises

Times when pressures become unbearable and suicide becomes a viable option are called suicidal crises. These periods are both painful and dangerous; expert help and support are need to maintain life. There are four main types of suicidal crises:

1. Impulsive suicidal behavior: In the heat of anger, disappointment or frustration, a person can react with impulsive suicidal behavior. Even though this may be only a temporary emotional crisis, it should be recognized as dangerous.

2. Feeling that life is no longer worth living: A person may come to feel (over a period of time) that life no longer has any meaning, or s/he cannot face what appear to be insurmountable difficulties. If these feelings are severe or last for a long period of time, they may indicate a serious psychological condition called depression. The individual may find it difficult to believe that such feelings can go away and that s/he will once again believe that life is worth living.

3. Very serious illness: Someone who is in constant pain or believes s/he has an incurable illness may view suicide as an escape from suffering. Autopsies on people who have committed suicide with this belief have sometimes revealed no such illness at all.

4. "Communication" suicide attempts: The true motive behind a suicide attempt may be to communicate a "message" to another person or change another's behavior. It may be a way of striking back at someone or of persuading them not to take an unwanted action, such as divorce or separation.