ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt and Completed Suicide
Most people who commit suicide don’t
want to die – they just want to end their
suffering (Smith & Segal, 2015).
Suicide is a significant public health problem
as this is the second leading cause of death
among 10-24 years old, and college
students (World Health Organization, 2009;
Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
2009).
A survey conducted by the Department of
Health (2004) revealed that 15 out of 900
teenagers attempted to commit suicide.
Suicidal ideation
 is a common medical term for thoughts
about suicide.
 It is also a wishful thought to be dead
and an imagination on how to kill
oneself (Sigfusdottir et al., 2013).
Suicide Attempt
 is defined as a self-inflicted, potentially
injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome
for which there is evidence (either explicit
or implicit) of intent to die.
Suicide
 Health Statistics of the Philippines
(2004) indirectly named suicide as
“Intentional self- harm”.
 the act of killing yourself.
 described as a process starting with
suicidal thoughts, planning,
communicating intent, attempting, and
finally, dying by completed suicide.
Two (2) levels of suicidal ideation
1. Passive suicidal ideation or “death
ideation” is usually operationalized as
the perception that life is not worth
living, or that individuals wished they
were dead.
2. Active suicidal ideation is
commonly measured by seriously
envisioning suicide
Three (3) different risk level of a
suicidal individual.
Low-risk
 Those who never attempted suicide,
have sufficient support systems, and
 expressed remarks such as, “I thought
about it, but I am not sure. It scares me
to have feelings like these, and I need
someone to talk to”
 They are most likely to participate well
to educational interventions, such as
reading books by others who have
attempted suicide.
Middle-risk
 Middle-risk suicidal people are
individuals who are capable of
functioning and working.
 However, they are not feeling well and
are often challenging to assess;
 They believe there is no way out of their
current position.
 Most of the time, family members of
middle-risk suicidal individuals disclose
that the client has verbalized to kill
themselves.
High-Risk
 High-risk suicidal individuals expressed
statement such as, “I am going kill
myself and you can’t stop me”.
 They are typically very depressed and
furious, have previously attempted
suicide, and lack support from their
loved ones.
 They will confess to having a feasible
plan, and the means for killing
themselves if pressed.
 They will likewise highlight that no one
can possibly stop them.
Genetic: Research has indicated that there
may be a genetic link to suicide, meaning that
individuals who have thoughts of suicide or
suicidal behavior are more likely to have a
family history of suicide. Additionally, it is also
thought that there is a genetic link to impulsive
behavior, which can contribute to suicidal
tendencies.
Environmental: Those who have grown up
socially isolated or with an unsupportive family
may be at an increased risk for suicide,
especially as they being to feel more hopeless
and alone. Additionally, experiencing a stressful
life event such as the loss of a loved one can
increase a risk of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors.
Risk Factors:
 Untreated or undertreated mental
health disorders
 Prior history of suicide attempt
 Family history of suicide or mental
disorders
 Having a medical condition such as
chronic pain or a terminal illness
 Family and domestic violence
 Having access to firearms
 Being homosexual, bisexual, or
transgendered
 Substance abuse problem
Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
 Most people who are experiencing
suicidal ideations show some warning
signs of their intent to end their life
even if they are not as obvious. The best
way to prevent this tragedy is to
recognize the warning signs and act
upon them. Some of the most common
warning symptoms and signs of suicidal
thoughts and behaviors include:
Behavioral Symptoms:
 Giving away prized possessions
 Talking about death and dying
 Using phrases such as “when I’m
gone…” or “I’m going to kill myself”
 Getting affairs in order
 Saying goodbye to loved ones
 Obtaining items needed for suicide
attempt
 Decreased social contact
 Increasing drug and alcohol usage
 Withdrawing from once-pleasurable
activities
 Increased risky behaviors
Cognitive Symptoms:
 Preoccupation with death and dying
 Belief that suicide is the only way to end
emotional pain

Psychosocial Symptoms:
 Feeling of helplessness
 Self-loathing
 Hopelessness
 Paranoia
 Intense emotional pain
 Mood swings
 Sudden changes in personality
 Severe anxiety and agitation

Co-Occurring Disorders
Suicidal ideations are often a symptom or
result of undiagnosed or untreated mental
health disorders. The most common co-
occurring, co-morbid mental health
disorders include:

 Anxiety disorders
 Substance abuse and addiction
 Schizophrenia
 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
 Depression
 Bipolar disorder
 Borderline personality disorder
 Psychosis
 Paranoia