Most of us know very little about suicide and therefore can make false assumptions when someone we know dies in this manner. For this reason, it is helpful to know the following facts.
Suicide is an unpredictable event. Mental health professionals do the best they can to recognize and deal with suicide indicators given the complexity of a suicide event. There is no predictable "profile" of a person who will take their own life. Suicide risk factors and thinking are present in many individuals with depression who do not take suicidal actions.
Studies show that patients frequently deny any suicidal ideation, intent or plan before taking action to end their lives. In some cases, those who die by suicide, appear especially functional and engaged with life before they kill themselves.
Although there are some warning signs for suicide and intervention usually works, people with a high intent to die, usually do not tell others they are thinking about suicide. They hide the information from treatment providers and family, friends and colleagues. Occasionally, family and friends are surprised to learn that someone who had been deeply depressed but getting better dies by suicide. Experts theorize that only on the way up did they have the psychic energy to take their life.
Every suicide is a unique story. Suicide is an act which is determined by a complex interaction of many factors including, but not limited to: family history of suicide, psychiatric illness such as depression, resilience, substance use, physical illness and chronic pain, hopelessness, high anxiety and agitation, life crises, access to means, and willingness to secure professional treatment.