Suicide and Eating Disorders: 6 Symptoms of Suicidal Thought

Suicide is more likely in those with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder than in the general population. Nonetheless, eating disorders are treatable, and suicidal impulses can be managed and overcome. Recognize the warning symptoms of suicide ideation.

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Eating disorders have a negative impact on both the mind and the body, so it’s not surprising that those who suffer from them may consider suicide. In fact, research suggests that up to 20% (1 in 5) of persons suffering from anorexia attempt suicide. Individual group studies have revealed that up to 60% of persons with eating disorders have suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicidal thoughts, attempts, and completion are substantially higher in those with bulimia nervosa and anorexia who purge than in those who simply limit the amount of food they eat. Those who do not engage in purging behavior, however, continue to experience suicide and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Individuals who attempt suicide but fail are at a greater risk of attempting again.

Suicide deaths among those with eating disorders are not just greater than the national norm, but also higher than among those with depression, schizophrenia, or any other mental health disease. Several variables can raise the risk of suicide or attempted suicide in people with eating disorders. Suffering from multiple forms of mental illness, family issues and conflicts, social isolation, a sense of being a burden to others, a history of previous suicide attempts, a disregard for the dangerous consequences of their behavior, tolerance for high-risk, impulsive behaviors, and a fearlessness when it comes to death are some of these characteristics.

Recognize These 6 Suicidal Thought Warning Signals

People who are feeling suicidal generally exhibit identical symptoms and behaviors, regardless of the reason. Some of these indicators are more visible than others. Suicidal thoughts in people with eating problems may include:

• Talking about having no reason to live, or feeling hopeless and terrible about being a burden to others because of their disease.
• Increase their usage of alcohol or drugs, or participate in other risky conduct.
• Mood swings heightened anxiety or wrath, or a sudden sense of relief or improvement in symptoms
• Begin to withdraw from social activities, isolate themselves from others, or begin to give away their goods.
• Convey feelings about death, dying, or not being present in the future, even going so far as to say farewell to family and friends.
• Begin by looking for ways to terminate their lives online and elsewhere.

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Self-harm and Eating Disorders: Dangerous Behaviors Increase the Chances of Mortality

In addition to suicide attempts, up to 40% of people with eating disorders engage in intentional, non-suicidal self-harm. Self-cutting or burning their skin, poisoning, eating things to cause suffocation, and other actions that cause significant suffering or pain are examples of these behaviors. Self-harming activities are regarded to be an attempt to divert attention away from significant psychological anguish.

Suicide is directly linked to self-harming practices in people with eating disorders. Individuals who self-harm do not necessarily intend to commit suicide; they may be apathetic towards death at best, but they are at a greater risk of accidental death due to the intensity of the injury and may develop suicidal thoughts.

Pic: Eating Disorder

Seeking Assistance for Yourself or Others

There is a common misconception that mentioning suicide will make someone suicidal. Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not trigger the thought, so don’t be scared to expressly ask them whether they want to harm themselves or commit themselves. Ask the direct question: Do you intend to commit suicide? Maintain your cool and speak in a nonjudgmental tone. Inform the individual that you care about them, that their life is valuable, and that you are eager to assist them in finding a professional to work with. Remain with the person as long as you can, but do not try to negotiate with someone who has a weapon for your own protection. Call 911 or take the victim to the nearest hospital emergency room if necessary and when possible.

If you experience suicidal thoughts in the future, it is helpful to create a written crisis plan and a reminder list that contains advice such as engaging in coping skills that enhance your mood, phoning a hotline or a friend, or calling 911 to get yourself to the hospital.

Once the immediate threat of suicide has been handled, it is critical to link to long-term eating disorder therapy that includes assistance with suicidal ideation as well as other connected disorders such as depression or substance misuse. Begin by consulting with your primary care physician or a mental health professional, who will be able to send you to specialist inpatient or outpatient programs if necessary. Obtaining the correct therapy is critical for someone suffering from an eating disorder in order to stabilize their physical and mental health.