Why did this happen? After losing someone to suicide, you may find yourself asking over and over again, “Why?” Suicide is complicated, but from research we know a lot about it.
More than 90% of people who die by suicide have an underlying mental disorder at the time of their death. Many times, that disorder was never identified. The disorders most often associated with suicide are depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Substance abuse, either on its own or in combination with another mental disorder, can also be a factor when someone takes their own life. These disorders can cause terrible suffering. They can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and to make decisions. They can interfere with seeking help, continuing treatment, or taking prescribed medicines.
An underlying mental disorder alone is not usually enough. Most people who kill themselves experienced a combination of deep psychological pain, desperate hopelessness and challenging life events.
We know that suicide is the tragic outcome of a serious underlying illness combined with a complicated mix of individual circumstances. It is not a sign of moral weakness. It does not reveal a character flaw. It is not a sign of irresponsibility, or a hostile act. It should not be a source of shame.
Consider reading the above paragraph over and over to help you make sense of the suicide loss and begin your healing journey.