THE HIDDEN BATTLE: WHY PEOPLE THINK OF ENDING THEIR LIVES - Dr. Mehjabeen

Written by

Dr Mehjabeen

Founder Vision High Mental Health Wellness

Suicidal thoughts are often misunderstood, and many people hesitate to ask themselves or others whether what they are feeling is serious or just normal stress. Almost everyone, at some point, feels exhausted by life, overwhelmed, or thinks, “I wish I could disappear for a while” or “I want all this to stop.” These thoughts alone do not mean a person is suicidal; they are usually signs of emotional overload, grief, exhaustion, or stress, and they often reduce with rest, talking, prayer, sleep, or a change in situation. Suicidal thoughts feel different in their intensity and persistence. Red flags include repeated thoughts of death, feeling life is meaningless, believing others would be better off without them, imagining self-harm, searching for ways to die, writing goodbye messages, giving away belongings, deep withdrawal, or feeling trapped with no hope for the future. Often, suicidal thinking is not about wanting to die, but about wanting unbearable emotional pain to stop. Many survivors later say, “I didn’t want to die; I just wanted the pain to end.”

This emotional pain can arise from depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, chronic illness, financial stress, academic pressure, relationship loss, shame, social isolation, addiction, or untreated mental health conditions. Children and adolescents may express it through fear, silence, anger, falling academic performance, or sudden behavioral changes, while adults often hide their pain behind smiles, success, humor, or spirituality leading others to say, “But they looked so happy.” Celebrities remind us that fame and talent do not protect the mind from suffering. From Hollywood and Bollywood Actors struggled silently despite success, Robin Williams lived with severe depression and neurological illness, and Chester Bennington openly spoke about childhood trauma and depression. Their stories show that suicidal thoughts are not a weakness, lack of faith, or attention-seeking behaviour; they are a serious medical and psychological crisis. At the same time, many ordinary people, students, homemakers, doctors, farmers, and professionals end their lives because they feel unheard, ashamed to seek help, or believe they have failed beyond repair. Social stigma, fear of judgment, and the myth that strong people do not need help only deepen the problem.

The hopeful truth is that suicidal thoughts are treatable and temporary, even when they feel permanent. The first and most important step is talking openly and honestly with someone safe. Asking directly, “Are you thinking of harming yourself?” does not create the idea; it often brings relief. Professional support depends on severity. A psychiatrist is needed when thoughts are intense, persistent, involve planning, or are accompanied by severe depression, panic, psychosis, sleep or appetite changes, or inability to function, as medication and risk assessment may be required. A psychologist or clinical therapist helps address emotional pain, trauma, negative thinking patterns, and coping skills through therapy, and often both professionals work together. Protective factors such as family support, one trusted friend, spiritual grounding, routine, physical activity, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can save lives. Simple grounding steps slow breathing, delaying action for 24 hours, removing access to self-harm means, writing feelings instead of acting on them, and reminding oneself that the feeling will pass, it can interrupt a crisis. If thoughts become overwhelming, immediate help through emergency services, crisis helplines, or hospitals is essential. Suicidal thoughts do not define a person’s worth or future; they are signals that care is needed, not punishment. Seeking help is not failure,  it is courage, and every life saved holds the possibility of healing, growth, and renewed meaning.

“YOUR LIFE IS VERY IMPORTANT & VERY PRECIOUS”

Conclusion

Suicidal thoughts are not “normal,” but they are common and treatable. They signal deep pain, not weakness. Early identification, compassionate conversation, and timely support from psychologists, psychiatrists, family, and community can save lives. Asking for help is not giving up and  it is choosing life, even when life feels unbearably heavy.

Dr Mehjabeen

Founder Vision High Mental Health Wellness