Suicidal thoughts are not easy to face. Anyone who’s had them knows that it can be an emotionally and even physically painful experience. And yet, many teens around the world experience them and as a result they choose to end their life. This article will provide some guidance on what to do when you’re feeling suicidal and ready to act on it.

Interestingly, research has shown that those who have attempted to take their life in a suicidal attempt regret it immediately. This research points out that most people don’t actually want to end their life. Although suicide might seem like the best option in the midst of unhappiness or depression or fear, the truth is most people want to live. Along these lines, the six primary reasons why someone might choose to take their life. The following are four of them:

Depression – This is the most common reason why a person chooses to take their life. Severe depression frequently comes with a heavy sense of guilt and shame, a deep experience of suffering, and the fear that there is never going to be any kind of freedom from that suffering. With these thoughts, you might see why a person might choose to end their life. However, depression is a mental illness that is treatable in most cases. If a person were open to treatment, such as medication and psychotherapy, he or she might find some relief and no longer wish to commit suicide.

Psychosis – Another reason why some teens and adults choose to end their life is because of voices or other types of hallucinations that drive them to do so. However, even this is treatable, and in many cases, those teens who go on to develop schizophrenia can have a normal life.

Impulsivity – Some teens who lean towards using drugs and/or alcohol might feel the need to end their life and with being under the influence, they do so. It’s possible that once a teen is sober and calm that he or she would not have made the choice. However, impulsivity combined with substance use leads to making the dangerous choice.

Cry for Help – Some teens simply don’t know how to express the pain they are going through and make a suicidal attempt to make a statement. There are many teens who want to bring their life to an end after a breakup from a relationship, for example, but they might recognize on a deeper level that they actually don’t want to die and choose a suicidal method that might be lighter than others.

Understanding some of the causes of suicidal thoughts can help gain power over them. However, if a situation becomes so severe that you can’t see any other option than to commit suicide, then it’s time to get some help. The first step is to pick up the phone and make a call. Teens in the United States can call 1-800-273-TALK. Talking to someone about your suicidal thoughts, although it might seem uncomfortable can actually provide some relief. Some teens find it easier to tell a stranger about their thoughts, which is why the above phone number is helpful. And other teens want to go to someone they know and trust, such as a parent or caregiver.

Either way, talking to someone, anyone, when you’re feeling suicidal can save your life!