September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day to focus attention on mental health and suicidal behaviour. The day aims to bring down instances of suicides by increasing awareness about suicidal behaviour. Self-preservation is instinctive to every living being. That’s why suicide is considered an aberration. Yet depression and other mental health disorders can push people to the brink of suicide, making them go against their self-preservatory instincts. While depression plays a significant role, other factors can also make a person take his or her own life. On World Suicide Prevention Day 2019, here are some factors that make people commit suicide. 13 Subtle Signs of Suicidal Behaviour According to a Psychiatrist That We Miss Out On.

1. Mental Health Problems

The underlying causes for suicide are mental health problems like anxiety, depression or psychosis. A large number of those who commit suicide have depression, although not everyone with depression commits suicide. The risk of suicide increases with the severity of the mental health problem.

2. Death of a Spouse

Death of a spouse can sometimes affect a person in profound ways. According to WebMD, the recent loss of a husband or a wife can increase depression risk in the elderly. The thought of living without the spouse, especially in the event of sudden death, can push them to take the drastic step. How Suicide Affects the Family, Friends and Loved Ones of the Deceased.

3. Loss of a Job

Job termination can precipitate the loss of identity, regret, low self-esteem and relationship troubles, especially in men. Studies have proven that suicide rates go up during times of economic recession.

4. Loss of Social Support

Social support goes a long way in helping people with mental health disorders. An emotional support system comprising family and friends can reduce the impact of depression and anxiety. When the person relocates, or a close friend moves out, the risk of suicide in the affected individual increases.

5. Divorce or Breakup

Divorce or breakup is a personal crisis that can cause loneliness and a loss of self-esteem. In the aftermath of a separation or a divorce, the risk of suicide also increases.

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6. Medication

Certain medications have been known to trigger a change in mood and cause depressive symptoms in people. Drugs like corticosteroids, cyclosporine, carbidopa, antibiotics and (ironically) certain antidepressants aggravate depression and lead to suicide.

7. Copycat Suicides

Often, suicides can trigger copycat behaviour. Exposure to suicidal behaviours like those of friends, family, spouses, peers or celebs can cause cluster suicides or copycat suicides. The person emulates someone who has committed suicide and ends his or her own life.

While these are some of the factors, they need not trigger suicidal behaviour or ideation in everyone. According to the Harvard Health blog, a vast majority of people who go through these circumstances don’t take the drastic step. But if the person is vulnerable and already battling mental health issues, the risk of suicide goes up.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2019 12:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).