Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. It is shaped by interacting psychological, social, cultural, and biological factors.
Suicidal ideation: Thoughts about ending one’s own life, ranging from passive wishes to detailed plans. Thoughts of suicide can arise before an attempt, but do not always lead to one.
Intentionality: The quality of an action being undertaken deliberately rather than accidentally. Determining intent distinguishes suicide from accidental death, though intent can be difficult to establish.
Crisis intervention: Immediate support intended to stabilize a person facing acute psychological distress or danger. Rapid, compassionate support can help maintain safety during an acute suicidal crisis.
Suicide bereavement: Grief experienced after the death of someone by suicide. Suicide affects survivors through distinctive grief, stigma, and unanswered questions.
Suicide attempt: A nonfatal, self-directed act undertaken with at least some intent to die. Attempts are distinct from suicide deaths and provide a key point for intervention.
Self-harm: Deliberate injury to oneself, which may occur with or without intent to die. Self-harm is broader than suicidal behavior and should not be treated as synonymous with it.
Dialectical behavior therapy: A structured psychotherapy that teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and relationships. It is used to reduce suicidal and self-harming behavior in some clinical populations.
Stigma of suicide: Negative social attitudes and discrimination directed toward people affected by suicidal thoughts, attempts, or deaths. Stigma can discourage disclosure, help-seeking, and open discussion.
Suicide risk assessment: A clinical process for evaluating suicidal thoughts, intent, plans, access to means, and protective factors. Assessment helps identify immediate danger and guide appropriate support.
Psychiatric disorder: A clinically significant disturbance in cognition, emotion regulation, or behavior. Mental disorders can contribute to suicide risk, but suicide is not limited to people with diagnoses.