MI SHEBERACHS FOR SUICIDE Suicide is a complex issue and should not be attributed to a single cause. Not everyone who dies by suicide has been diagnosed with a mental illness, and not all people with a mental illness seek to end their lives by suicide Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. People considering suicide typically feel an overwhelming, never-ending (or continuous) sense of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. They believe suicide is the only way to stop the suffering. Many factors can contribute to someone’s decision to end their life—loss, trauma, addiction, serious illness, or other life events that feel overwhelming. Remember, it is the experience of the events (not necessarily the events themselves) that contribute to a person feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope. Suicide and suicide attempts are not the same as what we often call selfharm, which falls under process addictions and is included in the previous section. Self-harm or nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID) refers to hurting oneself on purpose as a way to release painful emotions, distract from emotional pain with physical pain, express self-hatred or low selfesteem, punish oneself for perceived wrongs, or regain a sense of control. Self-harm is not a suicide attempt but rather a sign that the individual is trying to cope with intense emotions. This behavior often becomes addictive, and many people who have overcome self-harm consider themselves in recovery. This section is for those who experience suicidal thoughts or who mourn the loss of someone who died by suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis, please call the National Suicide Lifeline at 800-273-8255, available 24/7 to provide local resources and support.
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