Title: Suicide and mental illness - Better Health Channel
Headings: Suicide and mental illness
Suicide and mental illness
Summary
On this page
Risk factors for suicide
Suicide warning signs
What to do if a relative or friend lets you know they are suicidal
After a suicide attempt
If you have suicidal thoughts
Where to get help
View all mental illness

Content: Those who do take their own life may feel overwhelmed, seeking release from their distress. It is important to understand that suicide is the result of many factors in a person’s life and not one particular event or discussion. Suicide is complex: there is no single explanation. Contributing factors to being at risk of suicide may include: mental health conditions
substance abuse
chronic pain or physical disability
feelings of isolation or helplessness
loss
negative life events (abuse, significant loss, financial crisis)
previous suicide attempt or exposure to suicide behaviour in others. People living in rural and remote regions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also have a higher rate of suicide. Suicide warning signs
People who take their own life sometimes display warning signs beforehand. Some warning signs include: expressions of hopelessness or helplessness
an overwhelming sense of shame or guilt
a dramatic change in personality or appearance, or irrational or bizarre behaviour
changed eating or sleeping habits
a drop in school or work performance
a lack of interest in things previously important, and the future
writing, speaking or joking about suicide, death or dying or intention
giving away possessions and putting affairs in order
increasing alcohol and drug use
withdrawing from friends, family or society.