Suicidal thoughts are quite universal and commonly experienced by people undergoing severe stress. Suicidal ideation usually occurs when a person feels that they are no longer able to cope, especially with an overwhelming situation. As these situations and thoughts are temporary; some do not carry it through, while others may be at risk of attempting or committing suicide. Since the suicidal rate is increasing in today’s world; it becomes essential to identify the risk factors that are responsible for such behaviour and are given below:

1. Many times students tend to have a high self-set standard for themselves, when they are unable to achieve those, they feel like a failure.

2. In teenage or early adulthood academic pressure, workplace stress, social pressures, relationship concerns, and the lack of support systems are some of the reasons for suicidal ideation.

3. High expectations from parents also have an impact on the child’s psyche and may lead to emotional instability. Mostly, parents put greater emphasis on marks, which soon starts to define the self-worth of the child.

4. Children tend to take an extreme step because of stress, fear of being scolded from parents or unhealthy parenting style. Later, stress grows into frustration and in extreme conditions, it can even turn into depression.

5. The rise of suicide rate is due to urbanization and the disintegration of the traditional large family support system. As Indians become more progressive, their conservative households become less supportive of their choices pertaining to financial independence, marriage, premarital sex, rehabilitation and taking care of the elderly.

6. History of mental illness, substance abuse, violence, has a negative impact on the individual’s life and puts them at the very risk of suicidal tendency. The individual may be disposed to it directly or indirectly.

7. Individuals with a history of traumatic events where the individual has been emotional, physically, sexually abused or even bullied during the childhood, may develop low self-esteem resulting in the feelings of worthlessness.

8. Breakup, infidelity or death of a loved one can also create a negative perception of life, causing the very feelings and thoughts of ending one’s life.

9. Deprived of family support, financially as well emotionally; death of a parent or adverse parent interaction also has a toll towards feeling empty or isolated.

10. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially when the individual is prone to devastating thoughts and feelings can increase the risk involved.

11. Suicidal ideation is a common symptom in many psychiatric disorders and mental health issues like Depression, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder etc.

12. Sometimes people get associated with peers having suicidal ideations, thus, identifying with them can push them at the risk of such behaviour.

13. Overwhelming situations like unemployment, financial losses or being in a debt can also cause an inability to cope with the life stressors and can have a negative impact on the individuals thought process.