Suicide as an epidemic has been noticed by early historians and has notably been countered with harsh civil and religious measures. What factors might lead to suicide epidemics? Is it possible to understand it as a form of “mental virus”?

In this article we take a look at risk factors and warning signs for suicide. How to help a person with suicidal thoughts and how assess suicide risk?

Suicide rates have increased around the world at alarming rates. So what causes suicide? Is it genetically or ethnically-based? Or is suicide a cultural and sociological disease? Religion, media influence, globalization, social and cultural feelings of support and membership are probably among the crucial factors.

What are the conditions that lead to suicide? The loss of hope, guilt, the absence of a choice, and overpowering grief are just a few of the human conditions that may lead to suicide.

Suicide is a crisis that will not blow over. The feeling of loss is inevitable; the void of death is permanent. How can we cope in the face of such a crisis?

The development of an obsessive view with respect to body image to the exclusion of all else can lead to the development of eating disorders and in worst case - death.

Are there situations in which suicide represents a good or understanable choice? Are we allowed to take our own lives? Suicide is not just about personal crises and psychology but also about philosophy and sociology.

The question is whether some people are more prone to suicide than others? If so, the challenge is to recognize these people and provide help as early as possible. But what kind of help is needed?