I was curious if some of those claims are true, especially since angst, existential despair and melancholy have been part of the human condition and described in one form or another by philosophers and others for thousands of years.
> Myth: All suicidal people are mentally ill. 'Normal' people do not think about suicide.
> Fact: Thoughts of suicide are not uncommon and can occur for anyone. People who see suicide as an option are in emotional pain and may be desperately unhappy. Although mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may be associated with suicidal thinking and behaviour, not everyone who contemplates suicide is living with mental illness.
They don't cite their sources, though it seems to be an australian national suicide prevention site so presumably their claims are not just made up.
I agree, but they're putting the same facts in a different light.
This question is really about the stigma of suicidal ideation ("Oh no, what if I'm a crazy person?"), rather than the fact that suicidal ideation is a serious symptom that should trigger reaching out for help.
I found this:
http://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/Suicide-Myths.html
> Myth: All suicidal people are mentally ill. 'Normal' people do not think about suicide.
> Fact: Thoughts of suicide are not uncommon and can occur for anyone. People who see suicide as an option are in emotional pain and may be desperately unhappy. Although mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may be associated with suicidal thinking and behaviour, not everyone who contemplates suicide is living with mental illness.
They don't cite their sources, though it seems to be an australian national suicide prevention site so presumably their claims are not just made up.