The most fundamental instinct of all living beings is survival. Our unconscious mind primarily prioritizes our own life; everything else is secondary. In some cases, reflexes are activated and attempt to protect us from danger beyond our conscious control. Even anxiety can be understood as a malfunction of the brain’s alarm system (the amygdala), which is originally designed to keep us alive but sometimes produces excessive and unnecessary fear (Bateson et al., 2011). Given this system that is fully oriented toward survival, how is it possible that some individuals develop suicidal thoughts and even sometimes complete suicide?
Suicide Attempts and Statistical Data
Suicidal behavior is generally evaluated in two dimensions: suicide attempts and completed suicide. Not all individuals who attempt suicide die by suicide. Many studies show that only about 3%–13% of individuals who attempt suicide eventually die by suicide (Pandey, 2013). In this context, the intentions behind suicidal behavior may differ across certain clinical groups. For example, in disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, the patterns and motivations of suicidal behavior may vary.
Diagnostic Differences and Motivations
In Bipolar Disorder (especially during depressive episodes), suicide attempts are often associated with a stronger intention to die; that is, the level of planning and death intent may be higher (Yaqoob, 2023). This is because, for individuals with Bipolar Disorder, suicidal behavior is often driven by an attempt to escape profound emotional emptiness and hopelessness. In Borderline Personality Disorder, however, suicide attempts are more frequently linked to emotional regulation, reducing chronic inner distress, or “feeling alive” (i.e., behaviors aimed at short-term relief or emotional stimulation rather than a clear intent to die) (Mojahed et al., 2018). Therefore, the underlying motivation behind suicidal behavior is highly important. In one group, suicide may be used as a way to end psychological pain, while in another, it may function as a means of experiencing emotional relief or intensity.
Psychological Background of Suicide
Returning to the initial question—how does a person reach a mental state where suicide becomes possible—the answer lies in the belief that there is no way to escape chronic psychological pain. In such cases, individuals may perceive death as the only alternative to an endless experience of suffering. However, in most cases, emotional pain or hopelessness alone is not sufficient to lead to suicide attempts. A combination of psychological and biological factors is usually required. In addition to mental disorders, genetic and neurobiological risk factors also play a significant role in suicidal behavior (Pandey, 2013).
Neurobiological Factors and Serotonin
Serotonin is one of the key neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood. Research shows that individuals who die by suicide or attempt suicide often have reduced serotonin levels, indicating dysfunction in the brain’s mood regulation system (Pandey, 2013). The brain continuously updates itself through new experiences. A molecule called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) plays a crucial role in this process. However, in individuals experiencing depression or severe stress, BDNF levels decrease, which can weaken hope and psychological resilience (Pandey, 2013). Thus, suicidal behavior is not only emotional but also closely linked to brain chemistry.
Intervention and Conclusion
In conclusion, suicide can arise from multiple and complex causes. Individuals may reach this psychological and biological state under certain conditions. In such cases, it is critically important to guide individuals toward therapy or report the situation to appropriate support systems when necessary.
Kaynakça
- Bateson, M., Brilot, B., & Nettle, D. (2011). Anxiety: An evolutionary approach Freud, S. (2004). Totem and taboo (N. Smart, Trans.). Routledge. (Original work published 1913) Mojahed, A., Rajabi, M., Khanjani, S., & Basharpoor, S. (2018). Prediction of Self-Injury Behavior in Men with Borderline Personality Disorder Based on Their Symptoms of Borderline Personality and Alexithymia. International Journal of High Risk Behaviors & Addiction, 7(3), e67693. https://doi.org/10.5812/ijhrba.67693 Pandey, G. N. (2013). Biological basis of suicide and suicidal behavior. Bipolar disorders, 15(5), 524-541. Yaqoob, N. (2023). Impact of mood disorders and personality disorders on suicide: Results from the PJMS study. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. Retrieved from https://www.pjms.org.pk/index.php/pjms/article/view/6140/1646
