People often wonder what encourages an individual to commit suicide or to even attempt taking their own life. Why would anyone think of eliminating their own existence? Well, deciphering the reasons behind such acts calls for the essential considerations that predate the thoughts. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health have revealed that in 90 percent of cases, diagnosable mental disorders and drug abuse are the leading factors that inspire individuals to kill themselves. Examples of specific reasons that cause a person to self-destruct are problems on the job, in relationships or in the family. Often, these problems lead to either substance abuse before the person thinks to commit suicide.

Warning signs of suicide include prior attempts, aggressiveness, feelings of hopelessness or impulsiveness. Usually, suicidal people disengage themselves and seek isolation. They often feel misunderstood and believe that dying is the only solution. Ironically, two-thirds of suicidal people do not initially want to die; a third more are even undecided about death. One warning of high-risk people is negative self-image. The most dangerous conflicts that could lead to thoughts of suicide are divorce, rejection and failure. The victim believes that dying is an escape, not just from a specific issue, but from numerous problems in life.

Studies show that women make more attempts to commit suicide but men are more successful. In fact, 4 times as many men actually complete the process of suicide according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Males make up 79% of all suicides, while women are more prone to having suicidal thoughts. Men often use more dangerous methods to commit suicide, such as guns and other weapons, while women may try an overdose. Because these women use substance abuse, their chances of help arriving before it's too late increases. Unfortunately, women may soon equal men in using more deadly weapons. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the suicide rate for African Americans has increased; however, the suicide rate for Caucasians is higher. The rate for Native Americans is the highest amongst all ethnicity groups in America. When it comes to the age groups of suicide victims, more than 50% are over 45 years old. White males 65 and older at usually at risk. For individuals 15-24 years of age, suicide is the third leading cause of death, according to the National Institute of Mental Health in 2010.

When interacting with a suicidal person, you should always try to make them feel understood. It’s important to listen to them and try to understand their expressed feelings. Asking if someone is suicidal is also necessary. Establishing effective communication may be just enough to assist the person through the difficult time. Note that a common time for a person to actually go through with suicide is when they seem to be improving, so do not end your efforts too soon. Unfortunately, when a person seems to be comfortable, they have decided they will, in fact, commit suicide and become yet another preventable victim of depression.

According to DoSomething.org, about 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year. In the United States, suicide rates are highest during the spring, and one person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes.