What is suicide and why does someone commit suicide?

Suicide is the act of ending ones own life. When this is done everyone around is left with why? Over 90% of people who commit suicide have a mental illness at the time of the act. Depression is the number 1 cause of suicide. Depression is much more than the blues. Depression is a very serious mood disorder which affects the way one thinks, feels and acts. Depression left untreated can lead to thoughts of suicide and committing the act of suicide. Depression is a feeling of despair which lasts for long periods of time. Hope becomes a memory and suicide starts to become a reasonable solution. When feeling like this one is thinking irrationally believing it is the answer to their problems. They even believe they are removing the causes of pain and suffering not only for them but for their loved ones as well. Many people think of suicide as a selfish act. When one commits suicide they are not thinking of only themselves they believe they are helping their loved ones as well. Many people who have not experienced a severe episode of depression or suicidal thoughts do not understand how is someone able to feel so hopeless and depressed to end ones own life. The answer is usually how hopeless and endless the depression seems to be. People who commit suicide are usually in a severe depressive mode left untreated or undertreated. Someone feeling this way may feel there is no hope in getting help, that is the depression talking. They may also feel they don't want to be a burden on their loved ones. Many people can hide their emotional pain very well and appear to be fine. Underneath however they are in agony and in need of desperate help. If you are feeling suicidal or know someone who is, there is help out there and you can get the help you need. You can call the National Suicide Lifeline at 1800-273-TALK.

What are some of the causes of suicide?

The death of a loved one.
A divorce, separation, or breakup of a relationship.
Losing custody of children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair.
A serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house, or money.
A serious illness.
A terminal illness.
A serious accident.
Chronic physical pain.
Intense emotional pain.
Loss of hope.
Being victimized (domestic violence, rape, assault, etc).
A loved one being victimized (child murder, child molestation, kidnapping, murder, rape, assault, etc.).
Physical abuse.
Verbal abuse.
Sexual abuse.
Unresolved abuse (of any kind) from the past.
Feeling "trapped" in a situation perceived as negative.
Feeling that things will never "get better."
Feeling helpless.
Serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration.
Feeling "taken advantage of."
Inability to deal with a perceived "humiliating" situation.
Inability to deal with a perceived "failure."
Alcohol abuse.
Drug abuse.
A feeling of not being accepted by family, friends, or society.
A horrible disappointment.
Feeling like one has not lived up to his or her high expectations or those of another.
Bullying. (Adults, as well as children, can be bullied.)
Low self-esteem.

In Memory of Eric D. Brunson

I have decided to create this site in memory of my loving brother Eric D. Brunson who passed away by suicide. He was a very happy person. He always had a smile on his face. Anyone who came in contact with him loved him. He touched so many lives. He loved fly fishing, his family, working in his garden, and spending time with his wife and kids. I hope to be able to help those looking for help whether they are contemplating suicide or dealing with the effects of suicide.